Magna Park application to be re-considered

IDI Gazeley’s application (reference 15/00919/FUL), to create a storage and distribution centre and ancillary infrastructure at the Magna Park business park, was originally considered at an extraordinary meeting of Harborough District Council’s Planning Committee held at Lutterworth College on 28 January 2016.

However, following legal advice, Harborough District Council is to re-consider the planning application in light of advice relating to the nearby Bittesby Deserted Medieval Village – a national and statutorily protected heritage site and Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM).

Legal advice is that following a clarification of the law in a recent High Court case, the Council should re-consider the decision in the light of the way that the heritage issue was previously addressed.

The council said re-consideration of the planning application would allow for the proper and robust interpretation and application of national policy.

It will also enable members of the planning committee to consider the final version of the section 106 agreement – a legal agreement ensuring developers contribute towards any necessary supportive infrastructure.

Cllr Jo Brodrick, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for planning and regeneration, said: “It is of the utmost importance to the council to make sure all national planning policy is taken into account when considering planning applications. For this reason, this planning application will be taken back to committee to ensure any decision reached is robust and in line with current planning policy.”

IDI Gazeley’s application relates to land to the north west of Mere Lane, Bittesby, near Lutterworth.

It proposes a 100,844sqm storage and distribution centre with offices on land adjoining and linked to Magna Park, including formation of access road from Magna Park, erection of gatehouse, creation of roundabouts, partial realignment of Mere Lane and upgrading of the A5 road to dual carriageway, creation of drainage facilities and associated infrastructure and landscaping works.

The committee meeting to re-consider this application will be held on Wednesday 13 July 2016 at 6.30pm at Hangar 42, Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground and Aerodrome, Bath Lane, Bruntingthorpe, near Lutterworth, Leics, LE17 5QS.

Letters will be sent out to neighbouring residents informing them of the committee date and venue. The meeting will also be fully publicised on the council website.

Information will also be provided on the Harborough District Council website about how people can make representations at the meeting.

Two separate planning applications for storage and distribution centres at Magna Park are set to be considered by the council’s planning committee later in the year.

View the full planning application on the council’s website at www.harborough.gov.uk/planning  using the application reference 15/00919/FUL.