A large new distribution centre in Newark will not be granted approval before the occupier of the site is revealed.
The proposals, in Long Hollow Way, off the A17, were deferred by Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning committee on Tuesday after concerns were raised about issues with access, design and uncertainty over its occupier.
Under the plans, a new commercial storage and distribution warehouse would be created on-site alongside offices, with a vehicle access point created via a new, three-armed roundabout junction on the A17.
The new site would neighbour the existing Knowhow Curry’s warehouses, on Newlink Business Park, but would not use the same access as the adjacent sites.
However, the meeting heard several concerns from councillors and nearby parish councils about the potential impact of the development.
This included issues with transport and highways, noise and disturbance, the destruction of greenfield land, and its potential impact on neighbouring Coddington village.
The plans, which were recommended for approval, would see around 500 jobs and a £30 million investment brought into the area.
But after concerns were raised regarding the location of the scheme, and because it is not within the council’s development plans, many councillors were hesitant to vote for the proposals.
Councillor Mathew Skinner (Con), who represents the Beacon ward, said: “Let me just start by saying £30 million of investment and 500 jobs. To go against this would be absolutely against my core principles.
“But I am also very much struggling with this application. This is proposing to create another roundabout on an extremely dangerous bit of road.
“I can’t understand the design here at all. I know the A17 very well, the noise and the impact of the existing site is huge and so close to Coddington.”
Cllr Malcolm Brock (Lib Dem), who represents Southwell, added: “Were it to be granted, without doubt, there would be significant adverse consequences. It’s a proposal that seems clear cut.
“This undoubtedly is a speculative scheme, who knows what’s going to happen? It will impact the quality of life of quite a lot of people.
“But on balance I think we need to take on board applications like this.”
Councillors initially voted against the recommendation to approve the plans, before committee chairman Roger Blaney (Con) put forward a vote to defer.
He believes he would be “more minded” to vote for the scheme if the name of the future occupier was known. This, he said, could lead to conversations about addressing numerous concerns.
He said: “I would move deferral so we can determine, hopefully at the next meeting or two months’ time, whether we can get a named occupier for this.
“[This would mean] it is no longer a speculative development and is one we can consider in accordance with our policies.
“Speaking for myself, I would be hugely more comfortable if there was a named occupier, it reduces the speculative nature and I’d struggle to oppose this if there was to be a certainty.”
