Evesham warehouse plans refused despite 120-job boost
PLANS for a huge warehouse that promised 120 jobs for Evesham have been turned down because the building would be a “blot on the landscape.”
Land at Vale Park had been earmarked for a 28-metre-tall refrigerated storage and distribution building.
But members of Wychavon District Council’s planning committee said it would be “irresponsible” to approve the scheme despite the economic benefits.
Planning officer Clare Bull said the building would have been twice the height of factories at Worcester Six.
Dave Norris, a planning consultant acting on behalf of the applicant, said the scheme would create 120 jobs.
He said the warehouse would be “very modern, hi-tech in terms of robotics” and represented a “significant investment in the area,” saying it would create “proper apprenticeships.”
Mr Norris said large, viable distribution centres are a vital part of the food chain.
Councillor Emma Kearsey raised concerns about noise levels from the refrigeration units and vehicles.
Mr Norris said the site was originally chosen because there are no houses in the area and insisted the building would meet noise requirements.
Cllr Kearsey said the site is part of an industrial park but “this the unit closest to open countryside and that is the end of Evesham.”
“If this was approved, yes it would bring in so many jobs but it would literally be a blot on the landscape,” she told last Thursday’s (July 23) meeting.
“This is a very sensitive area and I don’t think to suddenly shove a 28-metre building there would be responsible.”
Cllr Emma Sims said: “It’s disappointing we’re here with a refusal because who wants to turn down a fantastic business opportunity that you’re going to provide.”
But she said the plans as they stand would have an “impact on the land that is not very pleasant.”
Mr Norris said the building was originally planned to be even taller.
He said similar buildings in the Netherlands are often 45 metres or higher, and smaller buildings do not provide the efficiencies needed for cold storage.
As councillors were about to vote on the plans, the applicant made a last-ditch offer to say they would consider reducing the height of the building.
But the committee was told it had to vote on the plans that had been put before them and the scheme was rejected.