Go ahead given for major expansion to retailer’s distribution and logistics centre

City of York Council has approved plans for footwear retailer Pavers to expand its distribution and logistics centre at Northminster Business Park.

Councillors voted to give the go ahead to plans to substantially increase the facility by 119,000 sq ft, a move that will create 130 new roles and generate an estimated £51m for the region’s economy.

Pavers’ expansion proposals also include an extended servicing area, with eight loading bays and turning space for delivery vehicles, along with vehicle and cycle parking, and landscaping.

The consent is subject to conditions and referral to the secretary of state.

York & North Yorkshire Chamber has been strongly in favour of the expansion and had lobbied for the application to be approved.

Sarah Czarnecki, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The approval of this job creating, revenue generating expansion is fantastic news and just the sort of investment we want to see in York.

“Pavers is a York success story, and it is wonderful to see them continuing their journey here in the city.

“I congratulate both the management team of Pavers and City of York Council on this news. It is pleasing to see such a pro-business and pro-investment attitude being displayed and I look forward to similar sentiments going forward.”

Established over 50 years ago, Pavers is a family owned-and-run company which now has over 185 stores nationwide.

Last year, it resubmitted two planning applications to City of York Council to expand its Distribution & Logistics Centre and office accommodation at Catherine House, Northminster Business Park.

These plans were initially lodged in 2022, but were put on hold after the Distribution and Logistics Centre application was refused by the council’s planning committee.