Business park expansion near Tewkesbury to go ahead
It's despite concerns about an increase in traffic.
There are concerns an expansion of a business park in Gloucestershire could lead to a big increase in cars and lorries travelling to the site.
Plans for the site near the M50 and M5 have been given the go-ahead despite concerns the scheme goes against the council’s local plan.
Rhino Land Ltd can now develop land west of Duddage Business Park in Brockeridge Road Twyning - after Tewkesbury Borough Council approved their scheme.
The new 10-acre business park will have a separate access and could provide six industrial units and another half dozen starter units with a total floor area of 32,291 square feet.
However, the plans have proved controversial with residents and the parish council.
Jeremy Horsall, of Twyning Parish Council, spoke against the proposals at yesterday’s planning committee meeting.
He told councillors the plans would increase the size of the business park by 300 per cent and should be refused as they were not small in scale and went against planning policy.
Oliver Rider, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the scheme provided business opportunities and called on the committee to vote for approval.
“Members, I believe the officers have got the recommendation spot on and I would ask you to follow their recommendation of delegated permit,” he said.
“This will go a long way towards meeting the expectations of meeting the employment land allocations in the joint core strategy and local plan.”
Councillor Philip Workman (Ind, Tewkesbury North and Twyning) Workman proposed rejecting the scheme as it was in conflict with the recently approved local plan.
This was seconded by Cllr Paul Ockelton (LD, Innsworth) said that the council would be “mad” to go agains the local plan barely four months after it was approved. However, this proposal was rejected by eight votes to six.
Cllr Robert Vines (C, Badgeworth) proposed approving the scheme and said it was a very well designed proposal close to the M50 and M5.
“It’s a fantastic location for heavy vehicles which will be visiting these sites, they won’t be coming through our towns. The motorway is just there.
“It’s a perfect site for road transport linkage and the fact is we are growing in these areas and we need work.”
The committee voted to approve the proposals by nine votes to six.