PLANS to build two apartment blocks at an industrial estate site have been decided on.

Proposals were sent in November 2022 to the council seeking permission to build "affordable" apartments on land next to Baxters Lane, Sutton.

The site forms part of the wider Fishwicks Industrial Estate and is unused following demolition of the previous industrial buildings. 

Previously planning permission for 93 homes at the site had been granted in 2016, which had since expired.

A planning statement was submitted by agents Hive Land & Planning on behalf of applicants Stanley Investments and Jigsaw Homes, when the proposals were sent in last year setting out details of the proposals.

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In the plans two apartment blocks were proposed, each two storeys in height, with one block fronting Baxters Lane containing eight apartments and the second block positioned within the site, which contains 20 apartments.

Block A would have a pitched roof with two gable features to the side southern elevation.

The building width measures 16.9 metres with a depth of 15.5 metres.

Meanwhile, Block B would have an ‘L’ shaped footprint with a pitched roof with gable end features. The building width ranges from 9.2 metres to 30.6 metres, with a depth ranging from 16 metres to 29.8 metres.

It was said two existing access points serve the site directly from Baxters Lane.

The "primary access for the proposed development is to be taken from the access closest to 55 Baxters Lane and will be upgraded to accommodate the scheme.

"A single access road is then provided through the site which provides access to the apartments and the car parking spaces that serve them".

A planning officer's report noted that since submission, during the application, the "layout has been significantly altered with the positioning of Block B being changed from ‘back-to-back’ units to a more traditional apartment block configuration, with a reduction of parking facilities and the allocation of private outside amenity space for future occupants".

The planning application stated that "the proposals to redevelop the site for residential use is fully in accordance with local and national planning policies and other material considerations" adding "proposals represent a long-term viable use for the site".

In a report, recommending the proposals be approved, council planning officer Alex Ball stated that "on balance it is considered that the proposed communal garden will provide acceptable levels of amenity space", adding "I consider sufficient amenity space to meet the needs of the future occupants will be provided".

It was added the development would include 23 parking spaces for the 28 units, while two spaces would be provided with provision for electric vehicle charging. 

Mr Ball noted there had been an objection regarding access arrangement but said: "the proposed access is considered to be safe and have sufficient capacity for the development proposed".

He added: "The proposal would not result in significant vehicle movements or result in obstructions on the highway to impact residents access or neighbouring business access for customers, staff and deliveries".

In relation to an objection about parking concerns, the report said: "Highways officers have reviewed the proposal and do not consider the highway impacts of the development would result in an impact on the highway network to a degree that would require parking restrictions to be imposed on the adopted highway".

Formal planning permission was granted.