WELCOME: Blackbird Leys would benefit from new development if it wins approval

Plans for nine new industrial units on the former DHL site in Sandy Lane West would boost employment in the city, it has been claimed.

There are hopes that ,should planning permission be granted for the site, that it could employment offer in Blackbird Leys, Littlemore and surrounding areas.

The proposals, submitted by London-based developer Kier Property, will see a new business base created alongside the Network Oxford Trade Park and the Nuffield Industrial estate.

It is known yet what sort of businesses will take up the units but the application is for a mixture of light, general industrial and storage and distribution use.

Labour councillor for Blackbird Leys Linda Smith said the units would be positive for the area.

She said: "I've had a look at the report and I think it's a really good thing.

"I hope it will bring a lot of jobs to Blackbird Leys and the surrounding areas.

"I don't know exactly what is going to be there but it's great to see sites like that being used for employment."

Concerns over noise pollution from residents and councillors, due to the site's close proximity to Spring Lane, has meant noise limits have been imposed by the council at various times during the day.

Littlemore councillor Gill Sanders said these would have to be monitored closely.

She said: "I welcome employment coming into the area but it should not have an adverse impact on the residents of what is a fairly quiet and rural area.

"Noise limits have been imposed as a planning condition and it's important these are adhered to.

"It's all very well they are put in place but we need to make sure they are observed."

In the report planning officer Matthew Parry said that, as the site was formerly used by DHL, the residents would be accustomed to disturbance.

He said: "It was previously in use as a warehouse and distribution centre for DHL which likely caused significant traffic movements and occasional disturbance for local residents that the Council, as local planning authority, would not have been able to control."

He added: "Given the relatively close proximity of the nearby houses to this existing industrial site it is not reasonable, in officers’ view, to expect a completely tranquil environment at all times and neighbouring occupiers will have been accustomed to some occasional disturbance over time.

The redevelopment of the vacant site would see nine single-storey terraced industrial units arranged in two separate buildings, equating to 4,450 sqm of floor area.

The plans also include 70 car parking spaces, 20 bike spaces and a new roadway giving pedestrian access to each individual unit.

The east area planning committee will make a decision on the application on Wednesday, February 4.

Kier Property's agent Lambert Smith Hampton said it did not plan comment on the proposals.

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