Approval for storage and distribution centre at Calder Park

Wakefield Council has granted planning permission for a large storage and distribution facility at Calder Park Business Estate in Wakefield.

Pegasus Group achieved approval of the single employment building for B8 use with ancillary Class E offices, access and landscaping on a 6.07 hectares site within the business park.

A total of 302 car parking spaces have been provided in the plans, including 14 disabled spaces, along with 78 cycle spaces.

James Clark, a senior planner based at Pegasus Group’s East Midlands office, said: “This was a pleasing result for everyone involved, particularly as we were able to overcome some employment use allocation issues.

“Calder Park as a whole was restricted primarily to B1 office use, however this was not a definitive allocation and the word ‘primarily’ implied that other uses would be appropriate.

“We were therefore able to demonstrate that the site had been vacant for a significant period of time and that while the demand for office space in Wakefield was low, there was a strong and considerable demand for industrial floorspace.

“We also showed how the development will create around 380 employment opportunities and contribute around £100million in gross value to Wakefield’s economy, therefore contributing to the economic and social objectives of the NPPF in securing future jobs and promoting economic growth along the M1 transport corridor.”

In recommending the application for approval, the planning officer said: “The proposed development will have a beneficial impact with regard to providing new jobs and investment in the district and will assist in meeting the Council’s wider objectives to regenerate areas and provide jobs and growth for the district.

“The creation of new employment opportunities is a material consideration which is afforded weight in favour of this proposal.”
Pegasus Group is a leading development consultancy specialising in planning, design, environment, economics and heritage with more than 340 employees.