3.0 Planning Policy and History

3.1 Local Plan Designation

This site comprises of two allocations within the local plan (proposed changes) the larger area being allocated for employment uses and the rear of the site being allocated for residential use.

Three landholdings are assembled to provide this allocation at Spring Gardens, which are either currently redundant or may become redundant within the Plan period and represents another key brownfield opportunity. The area is well related to both the town centre and adjacent residential areas. It is anticipated that this site will come forward in phases in conjunction with the cessation of the occupation of the three parcels. Any constraints to development have been investigated through the preparation of a planning brief and should result in the re-use of this key site. Some ancillary uses such as community facilities and neighbourhood shopping, could be encouraged on part of the site.

3.2 Previous Planning History

The site has an ‘established use’ as a storage depot, with ancillary offices and vehicle repair facilities.

Details of the previous planning permissions relating to Burgess, BT and MEB’s use of the site can be obtained from the Planning Department.