DX Freight plans for Essington super-hub poised to go ahead despite opposition

Controversial plans for a £36 million DX Freight distribution centre on green belt land in Essington are poised for approval despite fierce opposition.

DX Freight was refused permission for its original blueprint but re-submitted smaller scale plans for the former brickworks Hobnock Road.

The amended plans have now been recommended for approval at a South Staffordshire Council planning meeting on Tuesday.

DX Freight, operated by parent firm DX Group, wants to combine its two current bases in the Black Country into one larger scale premises bringing over its existing 550 workers and potentially creating new jobs as well.

There have been a number of public meetings held over the plans

The plans have been met by fierce opposition by residents since they were first tabled two years ago.

And campaigners thought their fight was over near the end of last year, when the firm's initial plans were rejected by council planning bosses.

However, the company resubmitted plans after making changes following a public exhibition.

Jamie Harper, lead campaigner against the plans, who also lives next door to the proposed site, said: "Though the plans suggest a smaller site, it is still on green belt land and is actually closer to local people's homes.

The new plans include one building rather than the original two and would be 10,762 sq m smaller

"What my fear is, is that though this plan looks smaller, if they get it approved, they could apply to extend the development and it'll be like how the original plans were."

The development would be 10,762 sq m smaller than the previous and would only be one building, in the centre of the site, rather than two.

Previously, the plans had asked for a further building to be created to the north of the site as well.

In addition the applicants say the new plan would see the building positioned further away from neighbouring properties.

The number of vehicle trips required going to and from the site has also been reduced from a total of 275 to 136 between peak hours.

DX Freight has said it has also carried out a Green Belt Review on the site and will now include the creation of a wildflower meadow and a parking area of 10 spaces.

The firm has previously said if it cannot develop the Essington site, it will move its operation, in Willenhall, out of the Black Country and into Coventry or Rugby – putting 550 jobs at risk.