Issue - decisions

Consideration was given to options for the development of this site which had been held as a strategic employment site for a number of years, and also used for some of the time by Airparks UK Ltd under a temporary planning permission.  Unfortunately no single end user had come forward during that time although recent enquiries indicated there was potential for the site to be serviced and plots marketed for a range of employment uses.

The local ward Councillors for the area had forwarded a request to the Cabinet, which the Chairman read out at the meeting, that consideration be given to the land being re-designated as housing land.  The Cabinet was, however, of the view that issues of land supply would be resolved through the Local Development Framework process and also that any change of designation might adversely affect a recent informal planning appeal hearing for an area of land in the vicinity.

RESOLVED

1. That the Council investigates further the options for development of the site, including those options outlined in 10.3 - 10.5 of the report, to maximise employment opportunities and financial returns. 

2. That a feasibility exercise be undertaken and expressions of interest sought from the market in order to better understand the current demand and occupier requirements.  

3. That the conclusions of the above investigations be considered by the Cabinet in Spring 2012.