A vast new business park for more than 1,400 workers could be built in Nottinghamshire. The large employment park would be constructed off Pinxton Lane in Sutton-in-Ashfield, with 1,380 full-time and 94 part-time staff expected to be employed at the site, if Ashfield District Council approves the project.
The 33-hectare site, which is currently farmland and local wildlife areas, neighbours the existing Castlewood Business Park to the south of the A38. The applicant, Brackley Property Developments, has been approached by an existing occupier of Castlewood Business Park, which is looking to occupy a large, single building near to Junction 28 of the M1 to retain its existing workforce.
The developer has argued the proposed development, which could be up to 80,250 sq m, would allow this occupier to stay in the area and provide a "range of employment opportunities to the local workforce". A total of eight buildings are laid out in the site's design documents, with one being split into two smaller units.
Are you planning an event for King Charles III’s Coronation? Let us know here
Despite the proposed employment benefits, some expressed caution over the scheme. Objecting to the planned business park, a neighbour on Alfreton Road said: "Noise will be unbearable from traffic building the site. We have more than enough traffic on the A38 now. My privacy would be lost."
Emily Gillott, planning archaeologist at Nottinghamshire County Council, said further evaluation through trial trench excavation was needed as there was a "possible Prehistoric ring ditch, possible Roman features, and the high potential for Medieval occupation" on the site. Ms Gillott added she would have to recommend refusal if these measures were not taken.
The developer has said the height of buildings would be considered to limit the visual impact of the park, with larger buildings located to the southwest of the site, which contains ancient woodland. The existing public right of way which runs through the north western part of the site would be kept, albeit with a minor diversion.
Vehicular access to the development site would be provided from the Pinxton Lane/Farmwell Lane roundabout to the west of the site where an existing farm access would be replaced. The plans include a total anticipated shared parking provision of 673 spaces, to serve the proposed units across the site.
In a planning document, Stephen George and Partners, on behalf of Brackley Property Developments, said: "This scheme meets the high-quality development objectives of all relevant stakeholders, fulfils the aspiration of the vision, and is sustainable. Additionally, the scheme seeks to minimise ecological and landscape impact and deliver biodiversity net gain whilst also meeting operational requirements."
The application is pending consideration by Ashfield District Council.
READ NEXT:
Inspector warns students to secure accommodation after rise in burglaries
Neighbours shocked after man found stabbed in 'nice little town'
How empty Nottingham high street has transformed into a 'cool and fresh' destination
11-minute exercise that cuts risks of stroke, cancer and heart disease, say scientists
