Work can now begin on a major industrial scheme in North Staffordshire which is expected to support 1,700 jobs.
Harworth Group plc has secured detailed planning consent from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to deliver 1.2 million sq ft of industrial and logistics space at Chatterley Valley West.
The 106-acre site, which is adjacent to the A500, forms part of the wider Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone, which was established in 2016 to drive economic growth in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire - and reinforce the area's reputation as a centre of manufacturing excellence.
It has been described as one of the biggest business developments in the north of the county in decades.
Harworth expects to start construction on site later this year, with the first units available to the market by the end of 2023.
Once completed, the development - which is being supported by a £3.5 million investment from Staffordshire County Council - will provide a 'significant boost' to economic activity, skills and job density in the local area.
Andrew Blackshaw, chief operating officer at Harworth, said: "Increasing our direct development and building a grade A investment portfolio are key tenets of Harworth's growth strategy. The Chatterley Valley site is a great example of how we will achieve these, delivering high specification, future-proofed industrial and logistics space in a highly sought-after area."
Steven Knowles, regional director for the North West at Harworth, added: "Our Chatterley Valley development, located in the heart of the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone, will meet growing occupier demand in Staffordshire, supporting new jobs and investment in the area. We look forward to working with local stakeholders to progress this exciting new development."
