Nearly 1,000 jobs could be created if site plans approved
PROPOSED BUSINESS AND LOGISTICS HUB
ALMOST 1,000 permanent jobs could be created at a new business and logistics site planned for land partly on a Leicestershire country park.
Developer Wanlip Holdings Ltd says the development, next to Watermead Country Park, between Birstall and Thurmaston, will provide 70,600 sq m of employment space, including offices, service yards and parking, across almost 77 acres.
Plans have been submitted to Charnwood Borough Council by the developer for three parcels of land, with the southern parcel extending “into part of Watermead Country Park”, according to the application documents.
One of the parcels sits directly opposite Watermead Business Park.
Another developer, Raynesway Estates, previously gained approval to build on the three plots
WOULD ‘EXTEND INTO PART OF COUNTRY PARK’ of land to create two more phases of the business park.
The new plans say this permission is still in effect, but that the latest application is “for a revised employment development”.
Hedgerows and trees currently on the site will be removed, with the company saying they will be replaced by new landscaping and tree planting.
Figures provided with the plans estimate 918 jobs will be created by the development, as well as 447 temporary jobs, plus about 500 jobs during the construction.
Planning documents submitted on behalf of Wanlip Holdings by agent Pegasus Group read: “This proposed development is an important part of the Watermead
Regeneration Corridor and will be a gateway extension to the current Watermead business park.
“It would bring a range of economic benefits to the local economy and will be consistent with the aims of the regional and national planning policies, generating jobs and employment and strengthening the business park. “The proposed employment units have been designed to provide flexibility to accommodate a variety of occupiers from small enterprises to larger logistic distribution tenants.” Documents for the scheme can be seen on the council’s planning portal, and comments and objections can be made about the plans until Wednesday, May 24.
It would bring a range of benefits to the local economy and will be consistent with the aims of planning policies