Anger at negative impact of large-scale warehouse plan.

2.28.37pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 14th Aug 2006

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley ward has lodged an objection to the building of a large warehouse by George Barker Limited of Highfield Road, Idle. (1).

"I have raised a number of objections to this development" says Councillor Sunderland. "I am very concerned that this warehouse is not just for goods made on the Highfield Road site but it is to be used as a replacement for an import distribution centre in Leeds. I am very concerned to make sure that this does not become a distribution centre for imports from Italy as this is against council policy. There are no exceptional circumstances that surround this application to warrant the construction of an 8,000 square metre depot building to store imported materials. This sort of business should be located in an out of town distribution park capable of being served by 200 heavy goods vehicles per week not in a predominately residential area."

"I am also very concerned about the exit into Ley Flakes Road. This is unacceptable both in terms of capacity of the road to deal with this large number of lorries and cars and in terms of safety" says Councillor Sunderland.

"In my opinion the building materials are not of sufficient high quality for a development in a predominately residential area which sits alongside a conservation area. It is very unfortunate that no consultations have taken place with the Councils Conservation department. I have asked why this has not happened and have asked that a proper assessment of the impact of this development on the surrounding area is made as the warehouse will be within 50 metres of a listed building."

Councillor Sunderland also says "The development is very close to the boundary of the site adjacent to Idlecroft Road. There is very little space for any form of screening to mitigate the impact of the industrial site in terms noise or what it looks like. I am also concerned that the scale of the development is too great for the site and does not relate well to the existing built landscape."