Dove Valley Park gets go-ahead for 700,000 sq ft of employment space

Plans to complete Dove Valley Park (DVP) have been unanimously approved by the South Derbyshire District Council, paving the way for over 700,000 sq ft of new employment space.

The 35-acre site aims to create new jobs and marks the final phase of the 200-acre employment park along the A50 in South Derbyshire, already home to occupiers like JCB, Top Hat, Futaba Ltd, and GXO.

Dove Valley Park, a subsidiary of Clowes Developments, along with IMA Architects, submitted plans to South Derbyshire District Council for the completion of the park last May.

The approved development will add four industrial units of varying sizes to meet market demand, along with necessary infrastructure, car parking, and landscaping.

An innovation centre will also be built, providing a hub for businesses in the area with meeting spaces, external amenities, and a café/restaurant.

Marc Freeman director at Clowes Developments said: “On Tuesday 18th February, our detailed planning application for the final phase of development at Dove Valley Park was unanimously approved at the committee. This will not only bring over 700,000 sq ft of employment space to Foston but also provide an Innovation Centre with essential amenities, a central hub for businesses and an opportunity for startup businesses at the thriving business park.

“We are delighted to be able to press on with construction which will see Dove Valley Park fully developed. We are aiming to start works on site before the end of the year.”

Developed in consultation with the University of Derby, the centre will offer support for start-ups and collaboration opportunities for local enterprises.

With the infrastructure already in place, work on the site can begin immediately.

Tom Morley, senior land and planning surveyor at Clowes Developments said: “We have worked closely with both South Derbyshire District Council and Derbyshire County Council to research existing routes, this also included canvassing opinions of current occupiers on the existing service to DVP and how it could be improved to meet the needs of its users.

“Through extensive consultation, Dove Valley Park Limited has been able to identify the requirements to help grow and develop the existing service. The service will see additional stops through Derby City meaning DVP will become even more accessible to current and future occupiers and their employees.”