Decision paves the way for controversial major logistics development
A proposed £150m retail logistics fulfilment centre intended to create 1,300 to 1,500 permanent jobs at Melton West Business Park has received council backing, despite over 1,300 objections.
The planning committee of East Riding of Yorkshire Council has delegated the application to its officers for approval, following completion of an agreement on ecological mitigation measures.
Developer Wykeland Group has welcomed the decision, saying it paves the way for the delivery of this investment, adding the scheme will give a “huge boost” to the local and regional economy.
A Wykeland spokesman said: “We will now work with council officers to conclude the agreement and address other conditions so that this important development can move into the construction phase.
“We look forward to working with the end user to deliver the development and the many benefits it will bring, including 1,300 to 1,500 permanent jobs, additional seasonal and indirect employment, and further jobs during the construction phase.”
The proposed logistics centre, with a footprint of 558,000 sq ft, would be the latest major development at the 200-acre Melton West business park.
It is intended for Plot E at the business park, off the A63 west of Hull.
However, the plans have met with 1,344 objections, with opponents of the scheme raising concerns about the number of lorries using and parking on local roads, and the impact on the environment.
Councillor John Mabbet of North Ferriby Parish Council, who has been a leading objector, said he felt planners “championed big business over residents”, noting: “These claims of jobs at similar sites around the country have never materialised.”
Wykeland says if the development goes ahead, it will create new direct warehouse, specialist and professional jobs, across a range of functions, from warehouse operatives to engineering, IT, health and safety, procurement, fulfilment, supply chain management, operations, administration and finance roles.
