Fairham development ‘significantly delayed’
WAIT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE HAD KNOCK-ON EFFECT ON BUSINESS PARK
A VAST Nottinghamshire project involving thousands of homes has been “significantly delayed” by infrastructure setbacks, new documents have revealed.
The Fairham site between Gotham and Clifton will eventually include 3,000 new houses, but the huge development’s accompanying industrial area has been hindered by delays to its £100 million infrastructure improvements.
John Todhunter, project manager for the huge scheme led by Clowes Developments, admitted progress had been hampered by delays caused by companies working on the site.
“Fairham has suffered significant delays (brought about by third parties) to the delivery of the main infrastructure,” Mr Todhunter said.
The manager explained the delays had thwarted agreements between the developer and manufacturers who wanted to set up in the business park under construction at the Fairham site.
“The consequences of those delays have fettered the ability of Clowes Developments to contractually secure end-use manufacturing as opposed to storage/distribution operators.”
Firms wanted certainty on when employment buildings would be finished so they could quickly fit millions of pounds-worth of equipment, but planning documents explained this was not possible due to the infrastructure delays, the developer said. Clowes Developments has now submitted planning documents to expand the size of Fairham’s planned commercial area in order to bring what it called a “major manufacturer” to the site.
“This is in order to allow the timely delivery of much-needed manufacturing facilities within the Fairham business park, which underpins the successful delivery of the wider Fairham development”.
Property firm Clowes Developments added it had signed a confidentiality agreement with the prospective manufacturer tenant.
It argued the increase in commercial space would have “little material impact” on traffic on the new estate, while the approval of the change would “ensure the continued delivery of manufacturing employment, which underpins the success of Fairham”. The manufacturer could leave the county if the change was not approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council, Clowes Developments claimed.
The planning application is pending consideration by Rushcliffe Borough Council. Housebuilding began a few months ago at the new neighbourhood to the south of Clifton, off the A453 Remembrance Way.
It will have one million square feet of employment space, a primary school, community and sports facilities, and a neighbourhood centre when completed. There will also be a safeguarded route to allow for the possible future extension of the tram through the site and traveller pitches.