Agenda item

The report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth is attached.

It is was RESOLVED that:

a)               the Greater Nottingham Strategic Distribution and Logistics Preferred Approach, be approved, in so far as it relates to Rushcliffe Borough, for public consultation; and

b)               the Director for Development and Economic Growth be granted delegated authority to approve any minor changes required to the Preferred Approach document and the evidence base prior to consultation. 

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, Councillor Upton presented the report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth, which outlined the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan: Strategic Distribution and Logistics Preferred Approach.

Councillor Upton advised that Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe Borough Councils, together with Nottingham City Council were preparing a revised Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan (GNSP), which, when adopted for Rushcliffe, would replace the Local Plan Part 1: Core Strategy.  Cabinet was advised that in January all four councils undertook a preferred approach consultation, which focused on housing and employment need, with the results still being analysed.  The councils were now seeking approval to undertake an additional six week consultation to focus on strategic distribution and logistics.

As previously stated this evening, Councillor Upton advised that it had not been considered appropriate to combine the strategic distribution and logistics consultation with the earlier one, as the report from the specialist consultant had not been received until August 2022, and officers had needed significant time to undertake site assessments before the consultation. Cabinet noted that if both consultations had been combined, it would have delayed the Plan preparation timetable.

Councillor Upton advised that the consultants’ report had concluded that there was a residual need of 131-147 hectares of strategic logistics land required across the wider study area, and a Call for Sites exercise was undertaken, with 10 sites identified in Rushcliffe, details of which were highlighted in Appendix 2 of the report.  A two stage assessment was undertaken, and Councillor Upton advised that two sites were considered possible within Rushcliffe, the Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station site and the Nottingham Gateway site.  Following further detailed assessment, it was proposed that two sites should be allocated; the Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station site for up to 180,000 sq.m, and the former Bennerley Coal Disposal Point within Broxtowe Borough. Cabinet was reminder that the Power Station site already had planning consent following the adoption of the Local Development Order (LDO), which included up to 180,000 sq.m of storage and distribution.

Councillor Upton concluded by advising that subject to approval by all four councils, the consultation would take place in late September or early October 2023, and the responses would be included in the preparation of the final draft of the revised Strategic Plan.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Inglis referred to the emotive issue of strategic distribution and logistics location and their effect on the surrounding landscape; nevertheless, he considered that a modern economy needed those facilities, and the review of the Local Plan Part 1 had included strategic distribution and logistics within it.  Councillor Inglis referred to the conclusions of the specialist consultants that there was a need for more provision in the GNSP area, and noted the two sites, which had been identified and put forward.  Councillor Inglis supported the inclusion of the Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station site, as it was part of the Freeport and it had recently been granted an LDO and he hoped going forward that this would continue the Council’s aim of attracting major business investment and employment to Rushcliffe.

Councillor Clarke agreed that this was a valuable opportunity to promote employment in both Rushcliffe and the Greater Nottingham area and it would be beneficial to everyone in Rushcliffe.

It is was RESOLVED that:

a)               the Greater Nottingham Strategic Distribution and Logistics Preferred Approach, be approved, in so far as it relates to Rushcliffe Borough, for public consultation; and

b)               the Director – Development and Economic Growth be granted delegated authority to approve any minor changes required to the Preferred Approach document and the evidence base prior to consultation.