Three new units approved for South Staffordshire business park

The developments at Hilton Cross will be for general industrial, warehousing and distribution use and were approved by South Staffordshire Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.

A 5,760 sq m unit and a 4,436 sq m unit have been earmarked for the southern plot, while a 10,498 sq m unit is set to be built on the northern plot.

Hilton Cross Business Park, which is located to the west of the A460 Cannock Road and the south of Junction 1 of the M54, south of Featherstone, is designated as a strategic employment site in South Staffordshire Council’s Core Strategy,

A report to Tuesday’s planning committee meeting said the area covered by the latest proposals is currently owned by South Staffordshire Council, but there is an agreement by the applicant to buy the site subject to planning permission being secured.

John Robinson, development director for applicant Barberry Industrial, told the meeting: “Our company is based in the West Midlands, specialising in bringing forward employment-related developments.

Exciting

“The planning application before you seeks permission to develop the remaining plots on that strategic allocated employment site, completing the development of Hilton Cross Business Park. We believe this is a very exciting project and one which will provide a tremendous opportunity for future economic growth, creating much-needed jobs and attracting new businesses to South Staffordshire.

“I’m pleased to report that we have already had interest in one of the buildings from an occupier who is about to sign an agreement for lease. We would be looking to move forward with the final details of the first phase of development to enable a start to be made on site during quarter two of this year.

“We believe it is important that opportunities such as Hilton Cross are optimised in order to provide modern grade A headquarter-style buildings to meet occupier needs and demands, given the strategic location of the site, with excellent links to the motorway network, and the employment demographic of the nearby conurbations. It is our intention to develop the site and secure named occupiers as soon as possible.”

Ward councillor Bob Cope said: “I’m very encouraged by the comments I’ve just heard. The applicant has demonstrated their commitment.

“I did have concerns about the trees around the perimeter of the warehouses but that’s all been taken care of. I’m pleased with the assurance about the design of the sheds – sometimes these sheds can look very bland.

“I have no objections and I’m pleased to support the application. I’m also pleased with the remainder of Hilton Cross being developed – it’s been left dormant far too long.

“It will provide extra jobs in this climate of Covid pandemic where people are losing their jobs.”