Shops village in Cannock would harm wildlife, claim conservationists
A planned £115 million designer outlet village for Cannock has come under fire from conservationists who have raised fears over the survival of wildlife.
The Green Party also says the Mill Green Designer Outlet Village, which will feature 130 high end retail shops and restaurants, will impact town centre businesses.
The proposal, put forward by Rioja Developments, has been submitted to Cannock Chase Council.
The developers hope to begin work at the site next to the Mill Green and Hawks Green Valley Nature Reserve by the end of 2016, for opening in 2018.
But Paul Woodhead, Cannock Chase parliamentary candidate for the Green Party, said: "Cannock Chase Green Party opposes the principle of the development as it is an important, much-valued green space adjacent to the local nature reserve.
"Indeed, the Cannock Chase Council's own website details the array of birds and small mammals whose habitats will be affected by this development."
He added: "Furthermore, Cannock Chase Green Party would also point out that the Midlands has the highest rate of vacant commercial premises in the country.
"A development like this can only add to the closure of yet more high street shops."
Mr Woodhead compared the designer village's potential impact on nearby towns to Merry Hill Shopping Centre and Dudley town centre.
"One only has to look at places like Dudley to understand how a major shopping centre can adversely affect nearby towns."
If the development is given the go-ahead the party will be championing sustainable development measures for the site.
Mr Woodhead added: "If the development is approved, Cannock Chase Green Party would like to limit the extent of damage caused and ensure the development meets the needs of Cannock Chase residents."
And Mr Woodhead said the car park could be used as a solar farm to provide energy for the centre. He also said the development should have a high number of electric car charging points.
The Mill Green and Hawks Green Valley Nature Reserve features woodland and grass pastures. It has wildlife, including mallards, coots, moorhens, geese and swans.
Plans for the designer village were first unveiled a year ago. It will feature up to 130 designer outlet retail units.
Cannock Chase Council will make a decision on the plans in the coming months.
