World logistics hub wins planning approval
MANCHESTER Airport’s £100m ‘world logistics hub’ won planning permission yesterday.
The airport says the development, part of the Airport City enterprise zone plans, could create 1,800 jobs over the next 15 years, but it has attracted strong opposition from nearby residents.
It wants to build up to 1.4 million sq ft which will offer a mix of units ranging from 7,500 to 200,000 sq ft across a 91-acre – former green belt – site next to junction 6 of the M56.
The proposals also include 36 acres of landscaped areas which will link with the airport.
More than 100 people have written to Manchester City Council over the plans and a further 787 signed an online petition expressing concern about the loss of open space, the impact on the environment and increased traffic and pollution.
MAG’s Airport City director, John Atkins, said: “The World Logistics Hub will attract new international businesses and help existing airport businesses to expand, generating much-needed economic growth and over 1,800 new jobs.
“The development will create a sustainable commercial product of international significance, providing high quality logistics facilities linked to the existing airport freight area, with access to the global marketplace – along with 60% of all UK businesses and a consumer market of over 24 million within a two-hour drive time.
“We already have significant international interest in the scheme and today’s planning approval is a big step forward towards starting to deliver new employment opportunities for local people.”
