Plans lodged for truck site

Plans have finally been lodged for warehousing to replace the Nightowl truckstop in Featherstone – cementing rumours the popular business may be forced to close down.

But bosses behind the plans insist the proposals are the best option and could create at least 230 jobs. Kilmartin Developments has submitted an application to South Staffordshire Council for four units for either general industrial or warehouse and distribution use to develop the current Nightowl truckstop site.

Hundreds of truckers a day use the facility, which employs six people, at Hilton Main Industrial Estate on the A460 Cannock Road at Featherstone, near junction one of the M54, to fill up on fuel, eat and drink and even a have hot shower.

Principal development control officer for South Staffordshire Council John Baggott said: "The plans cover a total floorspace of 23,000 sq metres (247,570 sq ft).

"The developer has made a bottom end estimate of 230 jobs based on the floorspace but it depends on the end users.

"As I understand it, those have not been established yet.

"If most of the usage is general industrial rather than warehouse and distribution, then it could be more than that.

"The plans are quite flexible in that respect.

"The proposals would see the truckstop replaced if successful."

Drivers who rely on the truckstop fear lorries could be targeted by gangs of thieves if the secure site closes down.

Some truckers who regularly use the facility say its closure could lead to some vehicles being parked up in lay-bys which could make them a prime target for gangs out to steal valuable cargos.

Another Nightowl truck stop, at Alconbury, Cambridgeshire, recently closed under a similar plan, causing a storm of protest among HGV drivers.

Kilmartin Developments was not available for comment today.