Five hundred jobs to be created at Eddie Stobart distribution centre

Five hundred jobs are to be created at a new Eddie Stobart distribution centre in Warrington.

The scheme was turned down last year but will go ahead after a revised planning application was approved.

The revised application was approved by despite 1,100 objections to the scheme from local residents.

The 634,910 sq ft distribution centre will be built on green belt land north of Barleycastle Lane, opposite the firm’s existing headquarters at Stretton Green Distribution Park.

It is due to open by the end of next year.

Gary Halman, a director at planning consultants Avison Young defended the proposals.

He said: “This is not a speculative proposal that promises things that won’t be delivered.

“This new investment will almost double the positive economic impact Eddie Stobart has on the Warrington economy.”

The application was approved subject to a section 106 agreement but will still need to be approved by the Secretary of State.

Eddie Stobart chief executive Alex Laffey said: “The national distribution centre will deliver real investment and create 480 jobs and training opportunities for Warrington.

“Our plans will also see more than £6m invested into the local road network for the benefit of all road users.

“Over the next 18 months we will work closely with Warrington & Co to make sure that Warrington residents and businesses are at the front of the queue for the opportunities provided at the national distribution centre.

“We are proud to have our national headquarters in Warrington and are committed to support the ambitions Warrington Borough Council has for economic growth and job creation.”

A previous planning application for the scheme was turned down – against the advise of officers – in November 2018.