EDDIE Stobart’s CEO Alex Laffey has thanked councillors for backing a £75m project to build a new National Dustribution Centre at Appleton Thorn, Warrington.
The plans by one of the town’s largest businesses, Eddie Stobart Logistics, to build the new facility adjacent to its existing campus – which includes the Eddie Stobart Group head office, training academy and central operations – looks set to go ahead after councillors last night supported the controversial scheme which received thousands of objections from local residents opposed to the development of Green Belt land.
The decision means construction of the 634,910 sq. ft. facility will begin in the autumn and see 480 new jobs created at the facility which would be open by the end of 2020.
Speaking after the planning application was approved by Warrington Borough Council’s Development Management Committee, Mr Laffey, CEO of Eddie Stobart Ltd said: “I would like to thank councillors for supporting our ambitions to invest in Warrington last night.
“The National Distribution Centre will deliver real investment and create 480 new jobs and training opportunities for Warrington. Our plans will also see over £6million invested into the local road network for the benefit of all road users.
“Over the next 18 months we will work closely with Warrington & Co to make sure that Warrington residents and businesses are at the front of the queue for the opportunities provided at the National Distribution Centre.
“We are proud to have our national headquarters in Warrington and are committed to support the ambitions Warrington Borough Council has for economic growth and job creation.”
The decision sparked outrage from local residents and councillors who are now considering seeking a judicial review. A fullr eport, including live streaming and reaction from the meeting can been seen in the article below.
The final decision will now rest with the secretary of state who will decide whether the application can be proceed or should be called in for a public inquiry.
I am disgusted but I am not down – we will keep fighting this. https://t.co/L2vsmt6HIW
— Ryan Bate 🔸 (@councillorbate) July 24, 2019
Very dissapointed to hear Councillors approve Eddie Stobart warehouse on green belt land in South Warrington. I will write to the new Secretary of State to ask that they call this decision in for review.
— Andy Carter (@MrAndy_Carter) July 24, 2019
