Developer gets unanimous green light for business park units

Clowes Developments has been given the go-ahead to create more than half a million square feet of space at a Derbyshire business park.

South Derbyshire District Council has unanimously approved plans by the developer to create two warehouse units totalling 542,000 sq ft at Dove Valley Park, at Foston.

The approved scheme will provide 329 car parking spaces and 42 HGV docking bays and is expected to represent the final phase in the successful delivery of the business park.

Members of the planning committee were advised that the scheme is anticipated to create as many as 700 full-time jobs, delivering a significant employment boost for the South Derbyshire area.

The development is being brought forward for an as-yet unnamed occupier.

A revised proposal for the site’s Innovation Centre was also approved.

Designed as a central hub for businesses across Dove Valley Park and the wider area, the facility will provide flexible meeting and collaboration space, informal breakout areas and access to landscaped external amenity space.

Plans also include a café/restaurant to support employees and visitors.

The Innovation Centre will be operated by Dove Valley Park Management Company and received letters of support from the University of Derby and Burton and South Derbyshire College.

Addressing the planning committee, Marc Freeman, director at Clowes Developments, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for South Derbyshire to secure much-needed jobs.

“This development complements existing businesses and will deliver significant long-term benefits to the area.”

Dove Valley Park, located just off the A50 between Derby and Uttoxeter, has experienced significant growth in recent years.

To date, just under a million sq ft of commercial space has been developed and either sold or let to a range of local and national owners and occupiers, including Hines, MEG, GXO, TopHat and JCB.

The site is marketed by FHP Property Consultants.