Business allowed to continue at former airfield in south Warwickshire despite concerns from planners

A business is to be allowed to continue trading from a former airfield on the outskirts of Stratford even though planning experts recommended that plans for a retrospective change of use for the land be thrown out.

Stratford District Council’s planning officers were concerned that the company, which recycles and stores UK-sourced stone, was having an impact on the green belt which covers Snitterfield Airfield where the business is based.

Planner Stuart Flaherty said it was the proliferation of container bags containing the stones and the extent of commercial paraphernalia which, cumulatively, were deemed by officers to be unacceptable.

And planning manager Tracy Humphreys added: “Officers feel that this is quite a clearcut case of unacceptable development within the green belt and we do feel that the photos demonstrate that the impact on the openness of the green belt is, we feel, quite significant. It is an extensive area of open storage. “

But committee members heard that both the local parish council and district councillor were in support of the plans.

Cllr Corinne Elliott, of Snitterfield Parish Council, explained that there were several other companies already operating in the vicinity and as business had expanded, the owner had invested by buying the land from the landlord.

Cllr Peter Richards (Con, Snitterfield) admitted it was a tricky decision to make.

He said: “As with the majority of applications in the green belt there tends to be conflicting policies. On the one hand we should be protecting the green belt from urban sprawl but on the other we should be supporting local and rural businesses and allowing them to expand.

“The site already has a well established set of buildings for commercial, industrial and recreational use in the immediate vicinity of the proposed development site - there are at least five businesses located within a short distance. This is very much an economically active location and has been for a number of years.”

Cllr Trevor Harvey (Con, Shipston North) agreed that the change of use should be allowed.

He said: “I came to this debate with two minds because there are good arguments on both sides.

“ I think the officer has done a very thorough job in defending the green belt and hence refusal. On the other hand, it is unusual to find this sort of application supported by both parish council and ward member in such detailed terms.

“This is an area that has been under concrete for more than 80 years and I cannot see that if we refuse this application that the green belt is any better off as a result. What I do see is a business which is contributing to recycling and climate change and securing employment.”