Councillors have given the go-ahead for a pallet storage and distribution centre that could lead to almost 800 jobs on the site of a former concrete plant.
Mulberry Logistics Park Doncaster has won planning to redevelop the former Bison Precast Concrete works off the A514 in Swadlincote.
Planning documents suggest the scheme could bring £25.5 million to £29.8 million a year into the local economy and that the council could benefit from up to £1 million a year in business rates.
The developer said it could support 377 jobs during the 10-month build and up to 775 full-time jobs when open.
Steffan Saunders, South Derbyshire District Council’s head of planning, told councillors that due to economic issues and job prospects associated with the application it had been brought forward for a decision before a number of issues had been resolved.
He said objections had been raised around the noise associated with a 24-hour operation.
Mr Saunders said residents had claimed “financial reasons” for the application were being favoured above the consideration of residents.
He said residents also said the increased noise and fumes from HGVs, throughout the night, could further impact people.
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Mr Saunders said the HGVs and other vehicles on site would have reversing alarms, but they would be quieter versions in an aim to avoid disruption.
Gurdeep Gill, agent for the applicants, said there were not going to be any “material adverse impacts” from the scheme.
He said the vast majority of HGV traffic would use the A444 and not travel through Swadlincote itself.
Mr Saunders said he was satisfied with the application, in an area which has already been in use by heavy industry, which would bring more jobs to the town.
Coun Southerd, the council’s deputy leader, said: “We have for many years had a concrete site under Bison. This, I suppose, is a Godsend replacement for Bison.”
Council leader Coun Kevin Richards said he had “reservations” about the scheme, due to potential noise, but felt it would be an improvement on the concrete business, which he claimed had impacted the nearby new golf course, saying “concrete dust and golf courses don’t mix, it ruins them”.
He said: “There is going to be a more sympathetic business there than previously.”
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Coun Amy Wheelton said: “I pass this site every time I enter Swadlincote, and it will be good to see it brought back to life bringing employment and growth to south Derbyshire.”
She said continuous issues with flooding at the roundabout at the A514 and Cadley Hill needs to be addressed as a priority, and that existing infrastructure needs to be able to support the business.
Planning documents say the site will have space for 244 HGVs, 299 cars, 17 electric vehicle charging points and cycle storage areas.
The warehouse itself would cover around 613,000 sq ft of space and be about 42 ft high.
Coun Lisa Brown said: “It is bringing all the employment and breathing life back into this site again.”
However she said flooding issues “have the potential to bring this whole logistics thing to a shuddering halt”.
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