An industrialist and property developer is appealing against a decision to refuse planning permission for a development that would have provided space for up to 780 jobs.
Roger Hartshorn said he will continue campaigning to extend Denby Hall Business Park after councillors unanimously refused the plans.
He said he has invested £300,000 so far and said the site, on former mining land 10 miles north of Derby, is ripe for redevelopment.
Amber Valley Borough Council’s planning committee refused the plans, against the recommendations of the authority’s officers, saying they did not want to see any construction on protected green belt land.
Mr Hartshorn, who made his millions in PVC windows, wants to put up three big manufacturing units – including one for his own aluminium extrusion plant – on the 175-acre site.
He said around 700 of the jobs there would be new.
The development plans include a new production facility for his Garner Aluminium Extrusions business, as well as a new warehouse for HL Plastics and a production facility for LB Plastics.
Council planning officers said the creation of jobs and the economic benefit to the borough met the “very special circumstances” required to build on green belt land.
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Mr Hartshorn said he was disappointed by the decision after putting forward what he called a very good case that had the support of planning officers.
He said: “Developing in the green belt is not taken lightly.
“We were able to show that there are very special circumstances that outweigh the harm to the green belt.
“There are no reasonable alternative sites and this was confirmed by the council’s own independent report.
“The minimum amount of green belt land would be used; the project would create and protect 780 jobs and it would create a world-leading indigenous and green manufacturing facility.
“The proposed production cycle re-uses aluminium and upvc from old windows and doors.
“It is a world-leader in re-cycling and it is a world-leader in the design and production of windows, doors and other fittings.
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“The site is very sustainable for manufacturing; it is on a major public transport route, and it is close to large urban areas allowing workers to access the site by bus, by foot and by bike as well as by car.
“Whilst we are disappointed by the decision we are not giving up.
“As soon as the council has issued the decision notice we will appeal against the decision to the Secretary of State.
“We hope that the appeal will be allowed but is unfortunate that the council’s stance will delay much needed development that will serve the greater good.“
Martin Thurley, group managing director at HL Plastics, said his firm had bounced back post-lockdown, and was 25 per cent up year on year, so the expansion was "critical" for the company’s long-term aims.
Neil Harris, on behalf of applicants, said the site was a "flagship, prestigious employment site for Amber Valley".
He said: “This application goes to the heart of what Britain needs, driving innovation and productivity, there are clearly special circumstances here."
Jonathan Jenkin, also on behalf of the applicants, said the development would "strengthen the economic base of the borough" and be powered by green technology.
He said "the minimum amount of green belt land will be used,” that materials would be locally sourced and that the proposed firms sharing one site will reduce carbon emissions.
But Coun Ben Bellamy, deputy leader of the authority, said economic reasons could not be used in favour of building on the green belt.
He said the applicants were taking the "easiest most economically beneficial and convenient choice for themselves".
He said: "I don't believe the very special circumstances exist here.
“This authority is pro-business and we recognise the contribution the businesses have made to the borough.
“But we must not sacrifice the green belt."
Coun Faye Atkinson said the application should be refused due to “"harm to the green belt from this inappropriate development" and that the “benefits do not outweigh the harm”.
Coun Ron Ashton said: "Heavy traffic is already travelling through Marehay and Ripley and more traffic would not be acceptable unless there are restrictions put in place.”
Coun Dave Wells said: "It comes down to a decision between green belt protection and jobs.
"It is very obvious that covering 16 hectares in concrete is not good for climate change."
In total, 63 objection letters were submitted by residents, due to the site’s location in the green belt and the near doubling of the existing business park.