Unanimous support for factory units plan in Chatteris

Plans for a change of use of long-established Chatteris factory units gained unanimous backing from councillors despite concerns raised by highways over a footpath.

The application by James Edgley for a change of use of six units currently in use by Nightlayer Leek Company in Dean Drove, was before this week’s planning committee because of Cambridgeshire Highway’s objection to the plans over the “failure to provide a safe and suitable access for pedestrians to the proposed development”.

However, planning officers were in favour of the proposal and said in their report: “Whilst it cannot be contested that the existing footpath width falls short of the requirement within the Cambridgeshire Highways General Principles of Development (Jan 2023), this is long established with the application seeking a change of use of existing buildings for which its current use is no longer viable.

“Weight has to be attached to the retention and reuse of existing, well-constructed buildings; employment retention and the requirement within the NPPF of supporting rural diversification.”

The report also added: “The site has been developed over a period of 30 years with the existing buildings on site having been used for working, packing, storage and distribution of leeks. It has been confirmed within the supporting information that the business has become unviable and this operation is beginning to shut down.”

Councillors agreed with Cllr Ian Benney leading the charge in support of the proposals which would see the units approved for general industrial and/or storage and distribution.

He said: “I am fully in support of this application. It’s an established use by an established business that has served Chatteris and offered employment for many years. This is a simple change of use. I understand fully why it is before us but let’s not waste our time or our officers’ time any further.”

Cllr Jan French pointed out that there was a footpath to the site, and it was the responsibility of highways to maintain it.

Cllr Charlie Marks said he was already aware of businesses in taking on units at the site, and said one had been forced to go elsewhere because of the issue being discussed.

Committee chair, Cllr David Connor, said Fenland Council boasts it is open for business and this type of development is just what the area needs to raise aspirations.

A vote to go with the officer’s recommendation to approve proposed by Cllr French and seconded by Cllr Paul Hicks was agreed unanimously.