By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors ‘reluctantly’ approved plans for a distribution warehouse to be built off the A17 near Newark.
Newark and Sherwood District Councillors approved the plans during a planning committee meeting on March 16.
Outline planning permission for the same development had already been granted on appeal after previously being refused by the same committee.
Now, the second stage of the application with more detailed plans has been approved.
Residents had raised concerns that Newark “becoming an industrial estate”.
Applicant Tritax Acquisition 39 Limited plans to build the warehouse on 16 hectares of land in Coddington, next to the Knowhow Distribution Centre.
The applicant said that it is in negotiations with Curry’s, the electrical retailer, which “sees it [the development] as an opportunity to consolidate and grow their business”.
Chairman Councillor Roger Blaney (Con) said there was “reluctant unanimity” from the committee.
Vice chairman Cllr Linda Dales (Con) said: “I’ve never been a supporter of this application, I always viewed it as speculative, unnecessary and excessive development.
“I am hugely sympathetic to Coddington Parish Council and Winthorpe Parish Council.
“I am not going to vote against the officer’s recommendation.”
The council’s officers recommended approval, but Coddington Parish Council said they objected to the application.
The plans also include offices, a gatehouse, a 307-space car park and a new roundabout which would provide access to the site. There would also be 89 trailer spaces for HGVs.
The building would be cladded in gradient colours from dark green to sky-coloured tones on the upper levels to help the building blend with the surroundings.
Cllr Michael Skinner (Con) said: “Some residents have shared concerns on this application.
“It’s frustrating that we are where we are and the application is going ahead. The horse has gone on this one.
“I do like the design. I remember seeing industrial units in a graded colour before and it makes them look far more pleasant.”
Five residents objected to the proposals saying there was “no current need” for the warehouse.
They said: “The development is in the open countryside, should be small scale in nature, should not generate excessive car-borne traffic and ensure free flow of traffic.
“Newark is becoming an industrial estate. The benefits for Newark would be minor at best.”
Winthorpe with Langford Parish Council said that there was “no identified need for which this development would benefit the local community”.
They said: “The Parish Council have been made aware that this application is only the first step, with a further six buildings envisaged – this is an unnecessary and excessive development which should be refused. We add our objection to the significant number of objections to the original
application.”
Coddington Parish Council added that there needed to be “increased enforcement of HGV restrictions” throughout the village and controls on light pollution and noise.
