Pets at Home to open distribution centre on Stafford business park after huge warehouse plans approved

National retail firm Pets at Home is set to build a new distribution centre on the 52-acre site at Stafford North Business Park, near the M6 and the A34.

It will employ more than 800 people and it is expected to open in 2022.

The warehouse facilities are to be constructed in two phases, starting with a 55,785sq m space alongside a three-storey office with an area of 4,208sq m and two two-storey office elements, each 526sq m in size.

The warehouse extension to be delivered in phase two will be 9,291sq m.

A new roundabout will also be created on the A34 at Redhill, north of Stafford, to serve the site.

Councillor Mark Winnington, ward member for the area, spoke in support of the plans at a special Stafford Borough Council planning committee meeting on Friday.

He said: “I welcome the fact there will be a new roundabout which will hopefully take some pressure off the A34, which is getting busier by the week.

“We are seeing many new houses in north Stafford and with houses comes the need for schools, infrastructure and jobs. This will provide jobs as we move forward.

“This awful pandemic is taking its toll on the business world. I think this application – and the fact it is coming now – is really important for Stafford Borough. It gives the message that Stafford Borough is open for business and it is part of the light at the end of the tunnel.”

'Exciting'

Jo Russell, planning director at Stoford, told the meeting: “We have worked with Pets at Home to bring this exciting development to Stafford. We have worked hard to design a scheme which will mitigate the impact of development.

"It will bring £120m investment into the borough with opportunities for jobs and spin off developments that can arise from confidence in developing here."

Planning committee members voted unanimously to approve the application.

Councillor Ann Edgeller said: “I have got to say Stafford is a growing town and jobs is what we need.

“There are 30 electric points for cars – I wonder if that should be increased. And has anybody been in discussion with the college looking at apprenticeships?

“Have you spoken to the bus companies and will there be transport for people who want to get from Stafford to the building if it is permitted?”

Councillor Marnie Philips questioned the impact of light pollution on the new housing development on the other side of the A34.

She added: “There are going to be a lot of HGVs on site. Are we doing anything to mitigate the reversing noises?

“I’m really pleased to see they are going to be encouraging other modes of transport apart from coming to work by car, including developing cycle routes.”