Jobs boost on the way

A new warehousing distribution centre which will create around 1,500 new jobs is on its way to Lichfield.

The centre - which is set to be the biggest one in Staffordshire - was approved by councillors at a meeting of Lichfield District Council's planning committee on Monday night.

The development site, which covers 23.82 hectares, is on the edge of the former main airfield at Fradley Park.

The site will house a warehousing and distribution centre with offices; amenity area; vehicle maintenance unit; car and lorry parking and associated works.

The distribution centre will be constructed over two phrases. It will be in use 24 hours a day. The unit will employ around 1,500 people. Warehouse staff will make up 75 per cent; administrative staff five per cent and drivers 20 per cent.

Although the site had already won outline planning permission and initial groundworks have started, councillors needed to approve reserved matters relating to the development at last night's meeting.

But councillor Margaret Stanhope, who represents Alrewas and Fradley ward, had brought the application to the committee because of the strength of local opposition.

Although she was not speaking against the development, she wanted members to discuss it because of its importance.

Five letters of objection had already been lodged with the council and John Greaves, of nearby Curborough House Farm, revealed his objections. He said: "You could fit approximately 12 Lichfield Cathedrals in this building.

"The whole area will be floodlit all night, every night, and residents lives will be intolerable."

Peter Wilbraham, the director of Evans Property Group which is developing Fradley Park, said this was a very important application but he admitted better consultations with the community could have taken place.

By Faye Casey