Ocado delivery facility plans get the go-ahead

Planning permission has been granted for works to a unit in Leeds to enable it to be used as a grocery delivery facility by Ocado.Ocado Retail Ltd, supported by Gerald Eve and Ashton Smith Associates, submitted an application to Leeds City Council earlier this year for the change of use of a unit on Fox Way, within the commercial area of Hunslet.The application covers the change of use of the 17,200 sq ft unit from class E(g) (light industrial) use to B8 (storage and distribution).Ocado is aiming to occupy the property as part of its network of distribution hubs across England, serving the central and wider Leeds area.The proposed facility would employ up to 140 people, including warehouse staff, drivers, managers and engineers. It would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.It would utilise the existing access and servicing arrangements, and the parking layout of 29 spaces.Planning permission has now been granted by the council for the works, subject to conditions, under delegated powers.A planning officer’s report accompanying the decision said: “The proposal will continue the employment-based occupation of this established warehouse and involves adequate parking arrangements that will be improved through the submission of a travel plan prior to the occupation of the building, the proposal is not considered to be detrimental to road safety.”Moreover, the proposal is not considered to be detrimental to the building’s appearance or general amenity.”The unit was previously occupied by Sovereign Air Movement; a manufacturer and distributor of bespoke air handling units to the construction sector.