A construction company wants to build a new HQ on a derelict farm.
John Ryan Developments wants to build a new home on a site in Derbyshire, just outside the town of Long Eaton, which it said will help its plans to expand to 130 staff.
It has applied to Erewash Borough Council saying it has outgrown its current premises in the town, which are “inadequate” and “cramped”.
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The farm redevelopment would see the existing shells of several farm buildings repaired and rebuilt, with parking space for 56 cars as well as two disabled spots and two light goods vehicle spots.
Ian McHugh, the agent for the planning application, wrote in a statement submitted with the plans: “The site occupies a prominent position on Pasture Lane and there is no possibility of it being re-used for agriculture, because there is no longer any associated agricultural land.
“Therefore, the proposal presents the opportunity for a significant environmental enhancement.
“This, together with the fact that the site is on the edge of Long Eaton means that the proposal can be regarded as a sustainable form of development.”
Mr McHugh says that in 2018 the borough council had told the applicant its plans for a HQ in Pasture Lane were “considered to be the ‘very special circumstances’ that were necessary to make the development acceptable in green belt terms” due to the economic benefits and reuse of an existing building.
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He wrote: “The proposal will bring about a significant improvement to both the appearance and condition of the building, whilst retaining its basic scale and form.
“One of the main advantages of being able to reuse the existing building is the availability of space to store building materials within the building.
“This will ensure that there is no need for outside storage, which can be unsightly; detract from the openness of the green belt and be injurious to residential amenity.
“Furthermore, the proposed operating hours will ensure that there is no commercial activity on the site outside of the normal working week.
“In economic terms represents investment into the local economy due to the success and growth of a local company.
“This is also linked to the social benefits in terms of an improved working environment for employees, together with the capacity to create further employment.”