Cannock designer outlet village clears local planning hurdle

CANNOCK Chase District Council has granted planning approval for a designer outlet village in Cannock that could create up to 1,200 jobs.

But in view of the size of the scheme, the council’s decision will now be referred to Greg Clark MP, the secretary of state for communities and local government,  for him to consider whether the application should be ‘called-in’ for him to have the final say.

The scheme, which would cost in excess of £110m, would see the creation of a 26,505 sq m outlet village, featuring up to 130 stores, new restaurants and around 2,000 car parking spaces on a site located next to the Mill Green Nature Reserve, within easy access of the M6 and M6 Toll road.

It has been suggested the development, which is being led by partners U+I (formerly Development Securities) and Rioja Developments, could draw around three million visitors into the area each year.

Giles Membrey, managing director of Rioja Developments, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with Cannock Council’s planning committee decision to approve our plans to develop a major designer outlet village, particularly as we know there is such a good a demand for this kind of retail offer.

“The scheme will create over 1,200 new jobs and many much needed apprenticeships, which will provide a real boost to the local economy. Mill Green will become a ‘must go to’ destination that will complement other centres and attract thousands of additional visitors each year, putting the area firmly on the visitor map.”

With planning approval granted – and depending on ministerial approval  – phase one of the development could commence by the end of 2016, with an anticipated opening in 2018.