Cllr Wayne Major has responded following the Planning Committee’s decision to approve the factory application at New Stanton Park.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Major thanked the residents who attended to make their voices heard, particularly those from Sandiacre who spoke passionately about the impact of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic on their community.
“Thank you to the residents who joined me last night to speak up for Sandiacre,” he said. “We shared a clear and consistent message — infrastructure should come before additional HGV traffic.”
During the meeting, concerns were raised about the cumulative effect of increased lorry movements on local roads, particularly through Sandiacre, which already experiences significant disruption. While a small number of Planning Committee members acknowledged those concerns and voted accordingly, the majority approved the application.
Cllr Major noted that the decision was taken on the basis that wider infrastructure improvements may follow in the future.
“The majority approved the application in the hope that the infrastructure will follow afterwards,” he said. “I sincerely hope they are right.”
He reiterated that his position has always been about ensuring that economic development does not outpace the capacity of local roads and services. With permission now granted, attention will turn to whether the necessary transport and infrastructure improvements are delivered to prevent further strain on surrounding communities.
