Controversial plans to build two new warehouses in Maple Cross will be re-looked at by a planning committee despite the applicants already launching an appeal.
The appeal was put in after developer BCL lost patience with the time it was taking Three Rivers District Council to make a firm decision.
The developers said the application had passed a statutory determination period after the council deferred the scheme last October.
An ultimatum by BCL for the council make a final decision at a planning meeting in November was not met prompting an appeal to go into the Planning Inspectorate on grounds of non-determination.
Related: Maple Cross warehouse plans go to Planning Inspectorate
When the deferral was made, Liberal Democrat members on the council’s planning committee said they needed independent advice to assess the risk of the application to Maple Lodge Nature Reserve but this work has yet to be completed.
But at a committee meeting next week, councillors will be asked to consider how they would have determined the application had the appeal not been lodged.
Council officers are recommending the committee agree to inform the planning inspector the scheme would have been granted permission. If councillors vote to reject the application, they must determine reasons for refusal which would be part of the council’s case during the appeal process.
The decision must be made with enough time for the council to submit its statement of case to the Planning Inspectorate before February 24.
The proposals would see two warehouses built near Maple Lodge Close, including 16,155 square meters of warehouse space, as well as new office space and access routes.
Campaigners have criticised the potential impact on wildlife in the area, specifically the Forester moth which is believed to have been seen on the site for the first time in 14 years.
Those opposing the development also noted the nearest residential properties would be 13 meters away from the warehouses, and criticised the loss of green space.
In response, the developers said they had addressed the concerns from a previous refused application and appeal.
The site borders the green belt but is designated as employment land and is earmarked for development.
During October’s planning meeting the developers’ agent said the plans would bring 400 direct and 200 indirect jobs to the area during construction and operation of the site.
Council officers recommended that members approve the plans, agreeing that concerns raised during the planning appeal had been addressed and the risks of the scheme were mitigated through conditions.
However, some councillors said it was difficult to make a final decision after being presented with contradictory reports and backed a deferral, despite being warned about the risk of appeal.
Councillors will discuss the plans again at 7.30pm on February 8, ahead of the February 24 deadline for the council’s response.
Final evidence for the enquiry is due on March 29, with a public inquiry scheduled to take place on April 26.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here