Major plans for huge warehouse to go ahead
PLANS for a major distribution centre on greenbelt land in Sutton Coldfield – intended to provide more than 1,400 jobs – have been approved.
The plans from IM Properties Plc for the warehouse at the Peddimore site at Minworth were unanimously approved by councillors on Birmingham City Council’s planning committee.
The steel-framed warehouse will measure 365 metres by 188 metres at maximum and have a ground floor footprint of 57,991 square metres.
The ground floor, three mezzanine floors and a gatehouse would give 216, 071 square metres of total floorspace.
The unit stands next to a second development area - Unit A - and the developers are currently seeking to increase the amount of floor space permitted across the two sites by more than 50 per cent, including the space approved for Unit B.
The plans also include a 188 HGV bays as well as 791 car parking spaces.
Some 79 of the car parking spaces would include electric charging points and there are plans for photovoltaic panels to be provided on the roof of the warehouse.
The report states three letters of objection had been received in relation to the reserved matters application. These stated the proposal “would be a waste of greenfield land” and claiming there was “plenty” of brownfield land available.
They also claimed there was “inadequate infrastructure” which would result in more traffic and it will be “an eyesore and detrimental to residents’ mental health”.
Following the committee’s decision, David Smith, planning director at IM Properties, said: “Securing this positive decision represents a significant milestone in the delivery of Peddimore and the first building will be a catalyst for unlocking the full potential of the employment park.
“We want Peddimore to create an industry benchmark for industrial development, from the sustainability of the buildings to the delivery of important local social value which will extend well beyond the boundary of the site.
“Reaching this landmark and approval for the first building is the culmination of considerable hard work and collaboration with a range of local stakeholders - ensuring we deliver a lasting economic asset which yields opportunities for the business community as well as those seeking employment, skills and training.”
IM Properties, who is partnering with Birmingham City Council on the project, has not yet revealed the company due to occupy Unit B while it has said Unit A will “accommodate a range of employment uses, including manufacturing and logistics”.
Wishaw Lane will be permanently closed from the week commencing September 6 as part of the works at the site, with Peddimore Lane already closed to vehicles.