Planners to back ‘huge boost for local area’
Peddimore green light expected to bring 6,500 jobs
BIRMINGHAM planning chiefs are this week set to give the green light to a major industrial development which is expected to bring thousands of new jobs.
The Peddimore project covers 175 acres of land near Sutton Coldfield, and business leaders hope it will create up to 6,500 jobs and support a further 3,000 across the West Midlands.
In January Solihull-based landowner IM Properties submitted its plans for the project on the vacant, council-owned land.
It outlines plans for an employment park including offices, service yards, parking and landscaping
across four separate development zones totalling 2.6 million sq ft of commercial floorspace.
Birmingham City Council planners will also consider an application for a new roundabout access from the A38.
The project has not been without its detractors as the land was previously classed as green belt, but its status was changed due to a shortage of suitable brownfield sites for a development of such size.
It is hoped the project will attract leading manufacturers and logistics companies due to its proximity to the motorway network.
IM Properties has also committed to supporting communities in the area including enhancing employment opportunities by connecting people to training and jobs. The city’s planning committee has been recommended to approve the proposals this week.
David Smith, planning director for IM Properties, said: “Our vision for Peddimore is to create a high-quality development that attracts leading national and international manufacturing and logistics businesses, delivers a best-in-class employment location and a social and economic asset that Royal Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham can be proud of.
“This includes looking where possible to work with local suppliers across a range of services and open up opportunities for SMEs and social enterprises.”
Business leaders have also thrown their weight behind the project.
Chris Brewerton, head of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, said: “The significant investment at Peddimore is set to attract key logistics and manufacturing businesses to the area over the coming years.
“The benefit will be felt keenly across Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham and will bring new jobs, further prosperity and encourage spending from contractors, tenants and employees throughout the construction and eventual completion of the site.”
Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, added: “Providing opportunities for major logistics and manufacturing brands to move into the park and increased spending across the local economy will have major benefits for the area.”