Business park expansion near M1 granted permission

Residents had opposed the plans, which they feared would lead to a loss of countryside

Controversial plans to expand a business park close to the M1 in Nottinghamshire have been granted permission.

Sherwood Business Park in Annesley has been seeking permission to expand across 26.32 hectares of farmland east of Junction 27 and north of the A608 since 2022.

Residents had fought the scheme objecting largely to the loss of countryside and the increase in traffic.

But on Tuesday Ashfield District Council gave the go-ahead for the “logistics and manufacturing campus” scheme to be built.

In total, 65,000 sqm of floorspace will be created at the site, according to planning documents, although the exact layout is yet to be finalised.

A new access road will be created off Willow Drive to access the development.

Applicant Oxalis Planning Ltd said in its application there was “significant demand for logistics and manufacturing space in the M1 corridor through Ashfield”.

'Concrete eyesores'

It said: “In meeting the needs of businesses wishing to locate in the area, the application will bring forward significant economic and social benefits through investment, job creation and gross value added to the local economy.

“The proposed development will contribute towards economic prosperity in Ashfield and in relieving deprivation and unemployment.”

Scores of objections had been raised against the scheme, branding the scheme as “absolutely ludicrous”.

One resident wrote: “In my opinion building on this green space is silly especially while so much of the industrial estate at Annesley sits empty.”

Another said: “Will my great grandchildren ever get to have the joy of walking through fields and forests seeing and listening to nature as it should be or is their life to be one blighted by obscene concrete eyesores wherever they seek peace.”

Council leader Jason Zadrozny welcomed the news, saying the project will create 600 jobs a year during construction and 1,000 jobs on completion, and add more than £50m a year to the district's economy.

He said: “This investment will put Ashfield very clearly at the economic heart of the region and provides the opportunity for all to see what a great place it is to live, work and grow a family.”

Following the granting of conditional permission, Ashfield District Council will now consider the detailed plan for the development in due course.