Plans for a brand-new 'employment estate' in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, have been rejected by the local council this week. 

The applicant, Mr Ali, applied for permission to build 17 commercial units on land at Brocksford Street, Fenton, which would create 36 full-time jobs. 

The units would incorporate a mix of light and general industrial and storage and distribution. 

The land on Brocksford Street is a former allotment site which has been vacant for a number of years. 

A planning statement submitted as part of the application states: "The proposed development would deliver economic development in the form of small starter units in a sustainable location which would complement the mixed-use character of the immediate surrounding area and deliver a significant amount of job creation opportunities. 

The proposals were for 17 commercial units on Brocksford Street which would create 36 full-time jobs for local residents (Nub News).

"The scheme submitted would provide a high-quality designed form of economic development which would assimilate within its surroundings and provide an appropriate transition site between the built-up area of Fenton and the parkland beyond to the north, utilising a high- quality landscaping scheme."

On 7 November, the plans were rejected by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 

Reasons listed for this decision include the fact that Mr Ali did not submit a suitable Coal Mining Risk Assessment, meaning that the authority "cannot conclude that the scheme is suitably safe". 

Also, the council said "the proposals will result in a net loss in biodiversity and habitats and the applicant has failed for provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed development adequately considers the impacts of biodiversity and wildlife". 

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