Cannock designer village plans receive community backing

PLANS for a major new designer outlet village in Cannock have received an overwhelmingly positive response following a public exhibition.

The initial Mill Green proposals have so far been met with 72% support from consultation feedback, with a further 16% of respondents backing some of the plans.

A public consultation on the proposals, held at South Staffordshire College’s Cannock campus, was attended by 316 people.

Supportive comments cited the economic boost to Cannock as the primary benefit, in particular the creation of up to 800 new jobs, raising the profile of the area and attracting people from across the West Midlands.

Rioja Developments and Development Securities, the developers behind the project, will continue to consult in the coming weeks.

Site plans are on display at Cannock Library and Cannock Council, where members of the public can also pick up leaflets with feedback forms.

Mill Green designer outlet village would boast up to 130 designer outlet stores, new restaurants and a cinema, together with approximately 2,000 car parking spaces in a landscaped development next to the Mill Green Nature Reserve.

If approved, the 307,000 sq ft retail and leisure destination would be the biggest development of its kind in the region.

Giles Membrey, managing director of Rioja Developments, said: “I would like to thank everyone that attended our public exhibitions and for all the valuable feedback given on the proposals.

“I would also like to reassure people that we are reviewing and taking on board all of the comments that we have received, and that we hope to continue receiving. We will be maintaining our engagement with the local community and hope to unveil refined plans in the coming weeks.”

A planning application will be submitted to Cannock Chase District Council towards the end of the year.