Copford business park plan to be decided this week

Colchester Council's planning committee will discuss the development of a new business park in Copford, which could be used for shops, offices, cafes or restaurants, on Thursday.

The plans have been recommended for approval by planning bosses.

A planning application for the business park was submitted to Colchester Council in January by developer LPB Homes.

If the application is successful, four blocks would be built, and 133 car parking spaces would be created for customers.

Each block would be two storeys tall with a flat roof.

The planning application says the park will be a “striking piece of modern architecture”, but be sensitive to its surroundings.

Trees would also be planted around the edge of the site, they will face south to maximise daylight and avoid overshadowing nearby houses.

A running track that loops around the site is also proposed, as a way of adding value to “the health and wellbeing of the users of the facility”.

Construction - an illustrative image of a builder working (Image: Pexels)

The proposed site is behind AGM House, in London Road, which already had planning permission for a series of offices approved by the council in 2019.

The application for the first proposal was made by AGM House, a water utility business.

For the latest proposal, AGM House itself will act as a visual buffer in front of the site, the application says.

During the application process, the business park has gained some objection comments.

One letter said: "I wish to object the revised plans of the four buildings.

"The height of the two story buildings is not appropriate in the village of Copford, let alone for people living in the area."

The letter also mentioned how "133 vehicles will add to the problem of traffic on London Road which is congested already".

A decision for this planning application will be made on Thursday, with plans recommended for approval.

Planning documents read: "There is sufficient evidence to be confident that overall, the development would not cause material harm to the amenity of nearby residents, have a severe impact upon the highway network, or give rise to unacceptable harm with regards to wider material planning considerations.

"In conclusion, for the reasons outlined above and detailed in the main body of the report, it is considered that the proposed development constitutes sustainable development, the benefits of the scheme outweigh any adverse impacts identified, and the planning balance tips in favour of approval."