Aldridge garden centre tearoom scheme to bring jobs

A garden centre has unveiled expansion plans for a new cafe and tearoom. Wheats Green Centre, in Aldridge, has sent in proposals which will boost jobs.

Its workforce would inc-rease to at least 30 staff at the Chester Road site under the scheme, which involves the demolition of an existing polytunnel and building within the green belt.

One objection has been lodged against the plans, but a petition with 1,773 signatures has been submitted in support of the scheme due before Walsall Council planners later this week.

The proposed building at the garden centre and nursery is behind the main store between the service road access and Bourne Pool.

The family-run WM Wheat & Son business has been running since 1937 and the proposals are part of its long-term expansion plans.

At least three full time staff will be recruited although bosses said this could increase in the future.

Managing director Brian Wheat said: "We are pleased and proud of the support that we have received from our customers."

The objection has been submitted by the proprietor of the nearby Simon's Restaurant with concerns over parking and extra traffic in the area.

However, members of the planning committee are being recommended to grant permission when they meet on Thursday.