Agenda item

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

It was RESOLVED that:

a)              the consultation representations received on the proposed amendments to the Ratcliffe on Soar Local Development Order be noted;

b)              the proposed amendments to Ratcliffe on Soar Local Development Order in accordance with Schedule 4A(3) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) be approved; and

c)              the Director – Development and Economic Growth or Assistant Director of Planning be granted delegated authority to incorporate the approved amendments into the Ratcliffe on Soar Local Development Order and publish the amended Local Development Order.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, Councillor Upton, presented the report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth, detailing proposed amendments to the Ratcliffe on Soar Local Development Order (LDO).

Councillor Upton referred to the history of the site and the establishment of the LDO in July 2023, which was adopted to help streamline the planning process. The LDO specified permitted use types, effectively granting outline planning consent, and it was hoped that this would accelerate development and provide greater certainty to investors. Councillor Upton confirmed that the LDO had to be reviewed this summer; however, this could be done by the local planning authority at any time. The LDO already identified data centres as an appropriate use on the northern part of the site; however, this report was concerned with allowing them to be built on the southern part. Councillor Upton stated that since the LDO was approved, market conditions and the political situation had changed, with a major, national initiative to increase data centre development to help drive economic growth, with the Government categorising data centres as critical national infrastructure. He advised that use of the northern part of the site was severely restricted, possibly until 2031; and the site owner Uniper had asked the Council to consider three proposed amendments, as detailed in paragraph 1.2 of the report. EMCCA had also submitted a bid to the Government for the site to be an AI Growth Zone.          

Councillor Upton confirmed that Cabinet deferred the report at its previous meeting to further consider concerns raised regarding the whole site’s future redevelopment. He stated that since then positive discussions had taken place with Uniper, as detailed in paragraph 3.4, and he felt that this should bring reassurance regarding the redevelopment of the entire site. The report and appendices included responses to the public consultation, together with the latest schedule of proposed amendments detailed at Appendix 1 and Councillor Upton summarised the key issues around the three proposed amendments. In respect of the first amendment, it was considered that the main issues raised in the consultation had been addressed, as outlined in paragraphs 4.9 to 4.31, with none considered sufficient to justify refusal to allow data centres to be located on the southern part of the site. In respect of the second amendment, Councillor Upton confirmed that it would provide greater discretion to the Council to allow environmental mitigation proposals to come forward earlier and potentially in advance of development. In respect of the third amendment, it was noted that the LDO required applicants to submit a Local Labour Agreement (LLA) to demonstrate that a development offered local employment opportunities during the construction phase. The Council supported this; however, the wording was considered ambiguous and the amendment would clarify that individual LLAs would be required for each plot.  

Councillor Upton referred to the comments made by the Local Development Framework (LDF) Group, at its meeting on 16 March, which were detailed in paragraphs 4.66 to 4,70. In respect of the Group’s comments around the decision making process, he confirmed that the decision to amend the LDO was an Executive, Cabinet decision. He concluded by referring to the financial implications if the amendments were not approved, as detailed in paragraph 7.1.3.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor J Wheeler referred to this important development opportunity, with potential for huge economic growth and employment. It was important that the local community was involved and supportive of the redevelopment, with safeguards in place, and he was confident that Uniper would work with all parties going forward.

Councillor Virdi felt that the amendments were pragmatic, given the changing national, economic priorities, allowing Rushcliffe and the region to respond at pace, whilst maintaining planning controls. It would also unlock delivery on the site much sooner, support inward investment, strengthen the wider EMF proposition, and potentially generate significant long term Business Rates.

Councillor Brennan was pleased that Uniper was demonstrating its commitment to clear the site, preparing it for development and she reiterated that this was an extremely important site for innovative and high tech investment, for Rushcliffe, regionally and potentially nationally.

The Leader agreed with comments made and hoped that this would bring earlier development and investment to the site.  

It was RESOLVED that:

a)              the consultation representations received on the proposed amendments to the Ratcliffe on Soar Local Development Order be noted;

b)              the proposed amendments to Ratcliffe on Soar Local Development Order in accordance with Schedule 4A(3) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) be approved; and

c)              the Director – Development and Economic Growth or Assistant Director of Planning be granted delegated authority to incorporate the approved amendments into the Ratcliffe on Soar Local Development Order and publish the amended Local Development Order.