Watermead Business Park

P&DG obtained planning permission at Watermead, Leicester on behalf of Raynsway Properties Limited, for a 23.4 hectare Business Park comprising 9000 sq m of offices; research and development; light industry; hotel and conference facilities and a café, pub and restaurant. Following detailed engagement with the Local Plan process, our Planning Team transformed a derelict former gravel pit, located within the defined Green Wedge and considered to be at risk of flooding, into the preferred site for the delivery of a strategic employment led regeneration site. With the Local Plan process on hold, P&DG saw the opportunity to seek an early planning permission on the site. P&DG led and project managed the application process, managing the full Environmental Assessment (EA) process, and master planning the outline scheme. The site was constrained by flood risk and access issues and lies immediately adjacent to the Watermead Country Park, a key ecological asset. P&DG carefully managed the process of negotiations with both the Council and key consultees such as the Environment Agency and Highways England. At committee the application was unanimously supported by members and through negotiation with the Council, P&DG reduced the planning obligations down by around £800,000.