Jobs boost as Walsall warehouse extension agreed
An extension of a huge Walsall warehouse that will provide new jobs has been hailed as a boost for the economy.
Guardian Warehousing Limited, in Willenhall, was granted permission to increase the size of its base at the Aspray 24 site in Noose Lane by members of Walsall Council’s planning committee on Thursday .
The development will see eight new jobs created to bolster the existing 36-strong team while the internal floor space will increase by 933 square metres to a total of 5,842 square metres.
Walsall Council leader and planning committee chairman Mike Bird said they want to encourage new businesses and added this was a welcome jobs boost.
The extension will give the firm extra warehouse space and create new loading bays to boost its operation.
The principle of the expansion of the premises had already been previously approved by planners but the company had redesigned plans, resulting in this new application.
Two letters of objection from neighbours were received, with concerns about increased noise, loss of light and affect on views being raised.
But officers said the extension would not have any significant negative impacts on any neighbouring properties.
A report to committee said: “It has been demonstrated that this proposed warehouse extension would not result in any significant additional impacts to neighbours amenity, the highway or the natural environment over and above the extant permission, and would be of an acceptable overall appearance.
“Furthermore, this proposal represents a significant investment at an allocated employment site and this is considered to weigh in favour of the application.”
Councillor Bird said: “This is a straightforward application. Businesses are to be encouraged and I think if this means one is expanding in the borough and creating jobs then I’m all for it.”
Members voted to approve the application subject to conditions being finalised by planners.
