A huge boost for the local and regional economy has been welcomed west of Hull as plans for a £150m distribution centre - expected to be operated by online retail giant Amazon - were approved.
At least 1,300 jobs are expected to be created at the development on Melton West Business Park.
Councillors on planning committee voted to approve the application by Hull-based Wykeland Group, subject to the completion of a legal agreement covering ecological land use and a habitat assessment.
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The decision came after 1,300 objections to the scheme were submitted to the council, the majority from nearby residents in North Ferriby.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Wykeland said: “Wykeland Group welcomes the support of East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s planning committee for our planning application for a £150 million retail logistics fulfilment centre at our Melton West business park.
“The planning committee’s decision to delegate the application to officers for approval, following completion of an agreement on ecological mitigation, paves the way for the delivery of this major investment and the huge boost it will provide to the local and regional economy.
“We will now work with council officers to conclude the agreement and address other conditions so that this important development can move into the construction phase.
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“We look forward to working with the end user to deliver the development and the many benefits it will bring, including 1,300-1,500 permanent jobs, additional seasonal and indirect employment, and further jobs during the construction phase.”
Amazon already operates a new ‘last mile’ depot neighbouring the site on the other side of the Brickyard Lane roundabout, having expanded from original premises in Hull.
The new building will be substantially larger with a footprint of 51,861 sq m, with three internal floors.
There are also plans to install 8,500 solar panels on the building’s roof to provide a power source for operations.
The committee heard construction of the new distribution centre is expected to take two years.
Cllr Julie Abraham, who represents the area, described the proposed single building as “a monstrosity” during the hearing.
Her ward colleague Councillor Vanessa Walker said villagers were not against economic development or creating new jobs. She added: “This is not about ‘not in our back yard’. They care deeply about the health risks posed by this development.”
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Most objections centred on concerns over the impact of noise, light, traffic and air pollution.
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The centre will operate 24/7 365 days a year with 200 daily HGV arrivals and departures expected at the site.
Councillors heard each driver will be allocated a two-hour time slot once at the site, which sits close to the A63.
Cllr David Rudd, who moved approval, said there were sufficient detailed planning conditions in place to protect residents in North Ferriby and Melton.
Cllr Philip Lee said he did not doubt the sincerity and passion of the objectors but he added: “Having been in business all my life, I like the idea of businesses growing and employing people.”
Cllr Phil Davidson was the only committee member to speak against the application.
He claimed valid concerns over air pollution had largely been ignored or played down by Wykeland and council officers.
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