Online retailer Amazon seems set to build a giant warehouse the size of eight football pitches on a former Jaguar site in Coventry.
The 40,000 sqm warehouse in Brown's Lane has been given the go ahead by Coventry City Council's planning committee despite local objections.
The planning application was made by Goodman Real Estate and it will be home to Amazon.
A spokesman for Amazon said the firm “doesn’t comment on speculation” and added that any announcements about developments would be made “in due course”.
The region already has a vast distribution warehouse in Rugeley, Staffordshire.
The massive facility will be the height of three double decker buses and have parking spaces for 127 HGVs and about 700 cars. It is expected to create 1,600 jobs.
Around 150 objections were lodged by residents citing issues including noise, pollution and congestion as the plant could welcome lorries 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The public gallery was packed for the vote.
However, Coventry City Council’s planning committee voted in favour of the plans, which developers say could be up and running in less than a year.
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Giving his support for the plans, Coun Jim O’Boyle, Coventry's cabinet member for jobs, stated the roles would not include zero-hour contracts and he has been “guaranteed that every employee will be able to have an apprenticeship if they want it”.
He added: “By granting these plans, you give nearly 2,000 young people a job in the city.
“I believe this is one of the most important planning applications that has come before this committee in the last ten years.
“We are giving 1,650 people in this city a job. It represents an investment in our city and will be a catalyst for future investment.”
Coun Glenn Williams, who backed residents opposing the plan, said: “Councillors and residents are not against jobs. We want to see this site developed for skilled, manufacturing and engineering jobs.
“Large warehouses like this are largely automated and where is the guarantee that these jobs are for Coventry people?"