The Development Management Committee of Rushmoor Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a significant planning application for land at Cody Technology Park and Ball Hill, Ively Road, Farnborough, which is recommended for approval subject to a Section 106 agreement. Additionally, the committee will receive a summary report on the Development Management Section's performance and workload for the January to March 2026 quarter.

Planning Application for Cody Technology Park and Ball Hill

A key item for discussion is an outline planning application for the phased redevelopment of land at Cody Technology Park and Ball Hill, Ively Road, Farnborough. The proposal involves the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of new flexible use employment floorspace, including potential data centres. The recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a satisfactory Section 106 legal agreement.

The report details extensive consultation responses from various bodies, including Hampshire County Council Highways, National Highways, the Environment Agency, and Natural England. Significant discussion points include highway access and improvements, environmental impacts, particularly concerning the nearby Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) and Eelmoor Marsh Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and biodiversity net gain. The application is supported by an Environmental Statement (ES) which has been assessed by the council.

The proposed development aims to provide up to 143,000 square metres of new employment floorspace, representing a significant investment in the area and supporting Farnborough's role as a hub for technology, aerospace, and defence industries. The application is accompanied by a comprehensive suite of supporting documents, including Parameter Plans and a Design Code, which will guide future detailed applications.

Planning (Development Management) Summary Report

The committee will also receive Report No. PG2612, which provides an update on the performance indicators for the Development Management Section of Planning and the overall workload for the period of January to March 2026. This report details the determination of major, minor, and other planning applications, as well as appeal decisions, and includes information on planning workload and income received from planning fees and Section 106 contributions.

The report highlights performance against government targets for application determination times and provides figures for appeals allowed. It also details the workload demand on the Development Management Section during the fourth quarter of the financial year 2025-2026, including pre-application cases and enforcement actions. Financial information regarding planning fee income and Section 106 contributions is also presented.

The report includes an update on the Wellesley development, detailing progress on various zones and phases of housing and commercial development.