Business village extension bid dismissed at appeal
A bid to expand a rural business village near Stafford has been dismissed by a planning inspector.
Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee refused permission for development of a plot of land next to Grindley Business Village after the site was considered to be in the open countryside and contrary to local plan policies.
The extension was intended to provide additional office space at the site, located off the A518 between Stafford and Uttoxeter. Six single storey buildings, providing 729sqm of new office space, were proposed as well as a bike store and parking area with 30 spaces.
Supporters said the development would provide more job opportunities for the area. Ward councillor Frances Beatty told committee members: “The proposal represents a very modest extension to the existing lawful use of the site as a business village.
“This scheme will provide additional well paid, permanent employment opportunities and economic development in rural Staffordshire in a time when employment opportunities and economic activity particularly in rural areas are greatly needed; by providing high-quality workspace for new and expanding or re-locating businesses.
“There is a constant and substantial demand for such office accommodation at Grindley Business Village, having to turn businesses away. It has been fully occupied since the current owner undertook modernisation.”
An appeal was lodged against the borough council’s decision to refuse permission. And this month the planning inspector’s decision notice was presented to the planning committee at its latest meeting.
Planning inspector Helen Smith sided with the council and dismissed the appeal. Her decision notice said: ” I am mindful that the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit has placed increased uncertainty on local businesses; nevertheless I do not consider this to be a factor to justify making a decision other than in accordance with the development plan read as a whole.
“The appellant seeks to compare the appeal site to Dunston Business Village. The council state that both business villages began as conversion schemes, reusing existing former agricultural buildings.
“It is understood that since the Dunston Business Village was established, a shortfall in employment land to meet projected demand was identified and expanding the Dunston Business Village was seen as a solution to this shortfall. I note that the council’s latest monitoring report indicates that there is no longer a shortfall of employment land and whilst I acknowledge that the proposal would increase the range of employment land available in the borough that is suitable for small and medium enterprises, I have no compelling evidence that there is a shortage of such units in the available supply.
“The harm I have found arising from this proposal is so significant that the adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. This provides a clear reason for refusing the development.
“The proposal would conflict with the Local Plan. The proposal would not be sustainable development and would not be in a suitable location.”
