New parcel hub to create 1,300 jobs
BARNSLEY: A new Hermes “Colossus” hub – said to be the largest of its kind in Europe – has been approved by councillors creating 1,300 jobs.
The 363,000 sq ft facility is proposed for land off Sheffield Road in Hoyland, and could handle up to 1.3m parcels a 298,700 sq ft warehouse, with a three- storey office block,
A NEW Hermes “Colossus” hub – said to be the largest of its kind in Europe – has been approved by Barnsley Council, creating 1,300 jobs.
The 363,000 sq ft facility is proposed for land off Sheffield Road in Hoyland, and could handle up to 1.3m parcels a day.
The application incorporates 298,700 sq ft of warehousing, a three- storey office block, parking spaces for 650 cars, 595 lorries, 150 tractors and 60 cycle storage spaces. Due for completion in 2022, the £ 60m development will be the largest of its kind in Europe.
However, the council has received a number of objections, including a petition which has gathered more than 1,700 signatures.
Petition organiser Mark Goodison said: “I think the council is making it categorically clear that the petition is not going to move them, even though it should do. They’re not abiding by it.”
The consultation was held online but he said many residents are elderly, and do not have access to the internet. Resident Neil Thompson also objected to the plans, and accused the council of acting in a “manipulative” way.
Mr Thompson said: “The consultation was designed to specifically manipulate residents into providing suitable options, rather than opposition to the plans and overall scheme.
“This development will have a significant impact on the quality of life of Hoyland, Birdwell, Pilley and Tankersley, the residents [ are] already suffering from increased traffic issues from over- development, industrial, commercial zones in and around the surrounding region.
“Many residents remain unaware of the masterplan, this impacts on their communities.
“What the council has done is wrong, underhand and unashamedly, in my opinion, manipulative.
“In the event of a traffic incident due to the council’s behaviour or the developers, I and others I’m sure will make no hesitation in naming and shaming everybody responsible today.”
On behalf of the applicants Cushman and Wakefield, Katrina Hulse said that the development would generate “much needed jobs”, and “improve the lives of Barnsley residents”.
She added: “The proposed development will provide a number of positive benefits both in the construction and operational phases, and over its lifetime for Barnsley and the wider area, including the creation of 1,300 jobs within the Hermes facility.”
Ms Hulse added that Hermes has committed to a 20- year lease, which she added was “significant” following the economic downturn.
The plan was approved by councillors on the grounds that the developers pay £ 850,000 to provide a replacement sports facility at land south of Parkside Road.
The councilis making it clear that the petition is not going to move them. Mark Goodison, who organised a petition against the Hermes proposal.