Developers are putting together plans for six warehouses on land near junction 16 of the M6 - with a new signal-controlled access proposed on the A500.

The 192-acre site has already been marked as an area which could be released from the Green Belt for future development in Newcastle-under-Lyme's final draft Local Plan and a public consultation has been held on the outline planning proposal.

Indurent, formed by St. Modwen Logistics and Industrials REIT, want to build six warehouses totalling around 220,000 square metres and the company estimates it will create 3,500 new jobs with another 1,200 created in the local supply chain.

Damien Holdstock, planning director at Indurent, told Stoke Nub News in March: "Construction would take six or seven years and it would be constructed in phases, ultimately, because it is a large site.

"We think the demand is out there and a significant need for the floor space that we want to provide.

"We are putting in an all-movement signal-controlled access on the A500, but alongside that there will be improvements to the junction 16 roundabout itself and the way that operates by putting in additional lanes.

"Ultimately, what we're bringing forward, we're looking to mitigate our impact and provide some benefits."

Additionally, it is suggested that "dangerous" lay-bys on the A500 near junction 16 are removed and replaced with a dedicated lorry park facility with "significantly enhanced facilities for HGV drivers".

But the outline proposals, which have not yet been submitted in full to Newcastle borough council, are not popular with all residents due to the loss of green space and encroachment on Audley and Bignall End.

Audley resident, Philip Morgan, said: "If you look at the economy of North Staffordshire, what it desperately needs is higher skilled jobs and not more and more low-skilled jobs.

"The problem is that they consume huge amounts of space but have very low levels of employment.

"The one off the A500 near Genesis [Peacock Hay Road, Talke] is not even completed, so what is the need?

"This is a major intrusion into this community and landscape for the future."

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is in the process of finalising its Local Plan that outlines areas for proposed development, including space for employment, housing, and retail within the borough.

This development relies on Newcastle council publishing its Local Plan in full, which is expected later this year.

The Indurent website says it is "committed to working with Newcastle-under-Lyme District Council, local councillors and the community to design a high-quality strategic employment site which respects and enhances its existing landscape context. 

"This is subject to the occupiers of the industrial and logistics spaces being confirmed."

-------

READ: Spode Museum's new tea room hopes to host outdoor and evening events

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook, X or Instagram.