Planning received for new Nottinghamshire logistics park

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) has been granted reserved matters planning permission on behalf of Tritax Big Box and Simons Developments, for the development of Class B8 distribution facilities on 16.6ha of land to the east of Newlink Business Park, Newark, one of the largest logistics facilities in the District.

Occupying a highly strategic and accessible location with access off the A17, close to its junction with the A46 and A1, the new scheme will include a developable area of 6.64ha delivering a maximum of 37,000 sqm of employment floorspace (GIA) for storage and distribution purposes as well as ancillary offices.

Comments Marcus Madden-Smith, Partner at SGP: “The pre-app meetings and public consultations were organised under Covid-19 restrictions by using video-conferencing technology. We found this was an efficient way to host quite large meetings, reducing our travel-related carbon footprint whilst still facilitating discussion and collecting feedback from a range of organisations, including the District and local Parish Councils and relevant consultants, including planning, highways and landscaping experts.”

As an outline proposal, SGP’s design intention for the buildings suggests a graduated range of cladding colours – from dark green to a whiter palette higher on the elevations – to compliment the surrounding context and integrate the building into the landscape. Together with supporting infrastructure, SGP’s design includes landscaping along the site boundaries with areas of retained and new landscaping and sustainable drainage infrastructure. The new warehouse site has good access to sustainable transport modes, including safe pedestrian and cycle access, and SGP’s design provides enhanced electric car charging ports to promote sustainable car travel.

One of the key issues facing logistics developments is supporting future tenants in attracting and retaining staff by adding onsite amenities and facilities to promote physical and mental well-being. SGP’s proposal includes an amenity pond that also provides surface water attenuation, the opportunity to extend a footpath around its perimeter and to provide amenity seating for staff to enjoy a break outdoors.

Concludes Marcus: “Modern logistics buildings are far from the low-tech ‘sheds’ they once were. The essential ingredients of a successful scheme go beyond space, access and car parking into the realms of staff well-being with quality facilities and outdoor amenities. This development is a sustainable, practical scheme that is attractive to tenants and provides future flexibility regarding potential occupier requirements.”

Work is expected to start on site in July or August 2023.