Overview
Transformation of a former Green Belt site into an innovative logistics hub. Our collaborative work with a multi-disciplinary team of co-consultants and stakeholders has bought development forward, delivered through a phase of different planning stages from outline permission to full implementation via a series of s73 submissions, reserved matters, s106 compliance, and condition discharges.
Project Highlights
Clients
AXA IM, Baytree & Rhenus Logistics
Date
2020 - 2023
Scale
92,904m² of logistics accommodation
In the midst of the housing-dominated political and planning debate, the pandemic highlighted the significance ogistics plays in our modern lives. Here, an outstanding client, guided by an outstanding team, has brought forth an innovative, award-winning logistics facility.
Robert Purton, Partner, David Lock Associates
The Project
A group of undulating arable fields, that partially covered an old minerals quarry infilled with waste, has been transformed into a hub of employment for over 900 community members. The 26 hectare site now homes two logistics buildings, accessed by a new road, as well as foot and cycle routes from the Coventry canal towpath. The larger building notably includes the UKs largest timber framed office pod, now Rhenus Logistics’ UK headquarters. Environmental and social features include over 65,500m² of rooftop photo voltaic, sustainable drainage with a water feature creating a matrix of habitats with a tranquility deck, on site allotments, two multi-use games areas, outdoor trim trails, an outdoor climbing wall and beehives to produce honey from the on-site wildlife meadows. The use of the ancillary features extends beyond provision for on-site staff, accommodating local teams, embracing the local community.
The Process
Our initial involvement provided planning due diligence advice on the purchase of this economic development opportunity. This was followed by the negation to resolve planning challenges, facilitating the expedited delivery of nearly 93,000m² of logistics accommodation in a way that maximized Environmental Social Governance opportunities. Since then, we have shaped and sold the vision for an environmentally ‘outstanding’ investment for the local community, its users and the clients.
Our pivotal role has continued through the implementation stages, securing the necessary detailed permissions along the process. Our proactive approach to planning has allowed key elements of the scheme to be brought forward, in advance of planning obligation triggers and in configurations, that were different to the initial vision at outline stage, but satisfied end needs. We are immensely proud to have been part of the partnership that included officers at the local council, stakeholders, consultees, and a multi-disciplinary team of professionals.