A Nottinghamshire business has pleaded for a council to reconsider its 'likely' forced closure. Business B2B had hoped to at last get formal planning permission to continue to host laser tag, archery, an outdoor cinema, an expansive maize maze, and bush craft events off Lime Lane in Arnold, where it has operated since 2015.
But Gedling Borough Council's planning committee has now been advised to refuse permission for this to continue when it meets on April 26. Planning officers said although the outdoor activities were acceptable on greenbelt land, the benefits of the plan did not outweigh the potential "harm" to the protected countryside area caused by keeping the site's infrastructure in place.
As a result of this recommended refusal, planning officers have advised Gedling Borough Council's planning committee to carry out enforcement action - meaning the business would have to stop using the site for unauthorized events and activities. The council's attention was brought to the site in July 2022, when planning officers received complaints regarding noise, anti-social behaviour, parking and highway safety issues caused by two festivals.
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Previously B2B said it would not be pursuing any more music festivals and that it had been in communication with the council for years regarding the changed use of the land. According to the enforcement report submitted to the planning committee, further "regular" complaints have been made since the festivals, relating to the presence of structures and facilities associated with the unauthorised change of use on site, large events being advertised, noise from cinema events, and continued unauthorised use.
The business has now issued a call for councillors to ignore the recommendation, citing its economic benefits and community role. "Due to some challenging circumstances, we are struggling to continue to operate at Lime Lane woods, Arnold. Gedling Borough Council's planning department has submitted a recommended refusal to the committee meeting which will vote on this next week," a spokesperson said.
"We are a conscientious & eco-off grid site that has always tried to offer new and exciting activities since our beginning in 2015. We also offer alternative education, along with children’s basic outdoor learning skills plus much more.
"We really need the local community to get behind us to prove to Gedling Borough Council's planning department/committee that we are an asset to the area by bringing additional jobs, income and tourism to the area by carrying out the events we run onsite."
Planning officers acknowledged there "may" be economic benefits from increased visitors to the area and up to 45 jobs being provided during peak periods. It was also noted the site operators worked with Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council's Alternative Education Scheme, as well as a Department of Education initiative for young people, but officers concluded this did not outweigh the unauthorised use and inappropriate development of greenbelt land.
More than 750 people have signed a petition to allow the business to continue, with a spokesperson adding: "We work alongside and support many small local businesses. We truly enjoy being part of the local community and have endeavoured to help integrate fully with residents and the community and can hand on heart say that along the way have made some great steadfast friends.
"It is looking likely this site will have to close within the next month due to planning if we can't convince the local council otherwise. The closure of Lime Lane would not only be a loss for the community but also the loss of two small family run businesses plus the members of staff that are employed, let’s not let it get that far. Help us stay open and continue to provide fun and family-oriented events and activities going forward."
Gedling Borough Council explained permission would not have been given to B2B had they applied when they first started using the site, due to the impact on the greenbelt. A spokesperson said: “The activity centre at Lime Lane has evolved in the greenbelt without planning permission.
"Should permission have been sought at the outset, it would not have been granted due to the impact it has upon the openness of the Green Belt. The council’s position is set out in the published reports, due to be considered by planning committee next week.”
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