Rejection of business park expansion is overturned

Plans for an expansion of a business park near the M5 and M50 in Gloucestershire have been given the go-ahead by a planning inspector.

Tewkesbury Borough Council initially rejected the 11.7 hectare scheme at Brockeridge Park, located near Twyning, due to conflicts with policies of the local development plan.

However the decision was overturned after planning inspectors concluded that the plans were "chronically underperforming", adding there was a significant shortfall of employment land in the area.

Black Box Planning director Conor Flanagan said the development could help create around 500 new jobs.

The plans, which were originally submitted in December 2021, are set to deliver up to 33,329 square metres for storage and distribution use, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The inspectors added the council's local plan "is out-of-date".

"This is as a result of changes to the framework and because it has been overtaken by events on the ground".

Conor Flanagan, who acted on behalf of the applicant, said they are very pleased the development can proceed after a lengthy planning journey.

"The local economic impact is £27-30m of gross value added per annum, supporting £16-20m in annual wages and salaries from operational employment, as well as the significant economic benefits felt during the construction phase," said Flanagan.

He also said the strength of evidence presented also resulted in the council withdrawing its case from the inquiry.

Liberal Democrats councillor Sarah Hands from Tewkesbury Borough Council said: "As part of the appeal process, evidence presented by both parties was reviewed, including updated material submitted through the inquiry, and the council decided not to continue to contest the appeal.

"The inspector's decision reflects their own independent judgement, as well as the merits of the scheme, need for employment land supply and how the proposal fits with planning policy.

"We will work with the developer to ensure the scheme is delivered in line with the approved plans, conditions and obligations."