Amazon set to create thousands of new jobs with Staffordshire expansion

ONLINE retailer Amazon is planning an expansion of its Staffordshire distribution centre as it bids to create thousands of new jobs over the next few years.

The company has lodged a planning application to Cannock Chase Council proposing a number of changes to its 65,000m² hub at the Towers Business Park in Rugeley.

The application is set to be approved at a meeting of the district’s planning committee today, once councillors have visited the site to satisfy themselves the application is suitable.

A report to the committee states: “Amazon proposes to increase staff numbers up to 3,000 (at peak times) by 2015, with potential further expansion in the future. This proposal will allow the proposed growth to 2015, with the potential further growth beyond, if appropriate.”

To cater for the increase in production on site, Amazon is proposing to improve the existing vehicle circulation arrangements on site in addition to providing extra parking for up to 344 cars and lorries, along with a new gate house and toilet and shower facilities for lorry drivers.

Planning officers have said the scheme represents a considerable economic gain for the district.

“Overall, the proposed development represents a significant investment into the Amazon site, and into Cannock Chase District as a whole, which would facilitate the expansion of the business and provide better access and parking facilities to cope with the proposed expansion. The development is also likely to result in the creation of more new jobs in the council area over the next few years,” adds the report.

The giant warehouse was originally developed by Gazeley in 2009 and was leased by Amazon in 2011.