GENSOCIAL
Hundreds of new jobs look set to be created in Staffordshire after Pets at Home was granted permission to build a huge new warehouse.
The national retailer wants to build a 670,000 sq ft storage and distribution centre at Stafford North Business Park, off the A34, which will employ more than 800 staff.
StokeonTrentLive reports that Pets at Home will close its Stoke-on-Trent warehouse 12 miles away as part of the plans, and around 450 employees currently working at the Trentham Lakes distribution centre will be offered the chance to commute to Stafford.
Work is expected to start on the new building this year ahead of its opening in 2022.
Birmingham-based Stoford Developments submitted the application on behalf of the retailer.
Stoford planning director Jo Russell said: “We have worked with Pets at Home to bring this exciting development to Stafford. We have worked hard to design a scheme which will mitigate the impact of development.
“It will bring a £120m investment into the borough with opportunities for jobs and spin off developments.”
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Planners at Stafford Borough Council approved the plans.
Ward councillor Mark Winnington said: “This awful pandemic is taking its toll on the business world. I think this application – and the fact it is coming now – is really important for Stafford borough. It gives the message that Stafford borough is open for business and it is part of the light at the end of the tunnel.”
