Wolverhampton Council to revisit plans for 355,000 sq ft logistics scheme
Goold Estates’ plans for a 355,000 sq ft logistics scheme in Wolverhampton are set to be revisited by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s planning committee.
The developer lodged outline plans at the end of last year to develop the scheme on open public space off of Neachells Lane, which historically was used as a colliery and municipal landfill site.
The 12.5 ha site is currently allocated as a site of local importance for nature conservation, and recreational open space and contains areas of Millennium Urban Forest.
Proposals seek to deliver a 355,000 sq ft distribution warehouse with new offices, 270 parking spaces, and 60 lorry parking bays, whilst retaining 14.5 acres of public open space.
As the council cannot enter into a S106 agreement both as the land owner and local planning authority, the council and Goold Estates would be required to enter into a Section 111 agreement. This would mean Goold agrees to a S106 at the same time it takes ownership of the land.
The S106 would secure £700k for off-site mitigation for the loss of habitat and Millennium Forest planting. The sum would be split between £150k for a children’s play area on the site and £550k for improvements and facilities at East Park.
In planning documents ahead of the meeting, the scheme was recommended for approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement.
Documents said the proposal is “capable of delivering exceptional strategic benefits” including “financial investment and job creation” which can “outweigh negative impacts on nature conservation and overall levels of open space provision”.
City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills said: “The proposal going to Planning Committee next week is only an outline plan, with the finer details to be determined later if it is approved.
“If the scheme gets the green light, it will deliver significant financial investment and hundreds of jobs for local people. The loss of open space and the environmental impact would also be mitigated by other gains for the East Park community.
“But make no mistake, should this outline planning application be approved by Planning Committee, there will need to be extensive community engagement by the developer to ensure the detailed plan addresses people’s concerns appropriately.”
