Plans for a major £100 million distribution centre which will safeguard 250 jobs have been unanimously approved by councillors.
Members of Lichfield District Council’s planning committee approved the application, submitted by Prologis, to create a new national headquarters for Palletways, bringing together the company’s existing operations at Fradley Park into a single purpose-built facility.
The scheme will see existing farm buildings demolished to make way for a warehouse and distribution hub with offices, servicing areas, parking and landscaping.
The development includes 493 car parking spaces, 397 HGV spaces and 120 cycle parking spaces, alongside new pedestrian and cycle connections, drainage infrastructure and the planting of more than 600 trees. It also features rooftop solar panels, energy efficiency measures and electric vehicle charging provision.
Speaking at the meeting, Prologis director Ryan Gordon said: “This proposal represents the logical completion of this part of Fradley Park and provides the opportunity to support the continued success of one of the district’s most important employment locations and a significant local employer in the district.
“We note that there are no alternative locations for the proposed facility in Lichfield and no other sites suitable for Palletways’ requirements in the district.
“Most importantly, this is not a speculative proposal. It is a committed £100million investment by Prologis for Palletways who are seeking to remain, grow, and invest further in Lichfield.
“It will deliver an estimated £2.25million worth of business rates per annum, safeguard local jobs and support the long-term success of Fradley Park.”
In the planning report presented to committee, officers highlighted the economic benefits of the scheme, including job retention and investment.
The report stated: “The proposed development would facilitate the expansion and consolidation of an existing business operating within Fradley Park through the delivery of a new national headquarters and distribution facility.
“Significant economic benefits would arise from the development, including substantial inward investment as Palletways national headquarters, safeguarding 250 jobs and ensuring the retention of an important local employer and business and potential for employment creation and support for the continued growth of the logistics sector within the district.”
Palletways managing director Rob Gittins added: “Palletways has been based in Lichfield since 1994 and it remains the headquarters of our UK network. Over that time, we have grown from our original operation into Europe’s largest palletised freight network. Throughout that period of growth, Fradley has remained our home.
“Today, we employ circa 250 people at Fradley. Importantly, the majority of those employed live locally, with 62% living within 15 miles and 30 per cent having worked for the business for more than 10 years. The local workforce is one of our greatest strengths and a key reason why we want to remain and invest in Fradley for the long term.
“This proposal will bring our operation together into a purpose-built headquarters and logistics hub of approximately 635,000 sq ft designed specifically around the operational requirements of Palletways and our UK network. It will allow us to operate more efficiently, improve our service delivery and secure our long-term commitment to Fradley.
“Importantly, this investment is about staying in Lichfield and continuing to grow here. This proposal safeguards around 250 local jobs and creates opportunities for future growth and investment.”
Councillors voted to approve the application subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement securing contributions towards biodiversity monitoring, travel plan measures and public transport improvements.
Daily Focus reported earlier this year that Palletways had secured private equity backing to boost its European expansion plans.
