Transport giant Stobart has been given the green light to operate from a new North Staffordshire site in a move set to create 75 jobs.

The move from the firm's existing site in Hanchurch to the former Ham Baker site in Etruria, will also safeguard 150 existing roles, Newcastle councillors have been told.

The borough council's planning committee unanimously approved the change of use application for the Garner Street site at their meeting on Thursday (January 4). But members spoke out against the retrospective nature of the proposal, as storage and distribution use had already started before the permission was given.

Councillor Andrew Fear said: "I'm annoyed by the retrospective thing. We should send out a message we don't approve of retrospective plans."

Committee chairman Councillor Paul Northcott said: "I share your comments regarding the retrospective nature of applications. But I think in this case I would be minded to look favourably on this application because it's providing such economic benefits."

The move is set to create 75 new jobs (Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council).

Ben Wharfe, an agent who spoke in support of the application at Thursday's meeting, said the relocation from the current site, located near Junction 15 of the M6, had been supported by Newcastle MP Aaron Bell and borough council leader Simon Tagg. He added: "I'm pleased we are in a position where there are no objections from statutory consultees.

"Stobart are looking for a new larger base to continue investment to safeguard existing jobs for 150 people, and are committed to 75 more. The Ham Baker site was identified as a location well-connected to the strategic network, in the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone.

"The previous business on the site had gone into administration. This proposal provides new investment into the site."

A report to the committee said that a number of previous buildings on the site had been demolished and the land cleared, with the exception of one central building. It added: "This building would be utilised for long term palletised storage and the surrounding hardstanding would all be utilised for the parking of HGV vehicles and cars associated with the operations.

"Further new development is in the form of a detached flat roof modular style building that is sited to the north west of the main access. The front elevation of the building features large levels of glazing to serve the office and meeting room spaces provided internally; there is also a small kitchen and toilets within the structure.

The Ham Baker site was identified as a location 'well-connected to the strategic network' (Wiki Commons).

"The applicant suggests that there would be around 150 vehicle movements over a seven-day period, with around 20-25 movements per day on average. The applicant also details that for the most part, staff will drive to the site in their own vehicles and then leave in a HGV, returning later to collect their vehicles.

"The application site is serviced by Garner Street, an access road that serves only this development site from the A53 Etruria Road. To the west of the site lies the A500 highway, and to the east, the railway line.

"The development would see the applicant move their existing operations from a site to the application site, allowing the company to retain their operations within the borough at a site that is more suitable for their commercial activities. The site is located within a highly sustainable location, whereby commercial and industrial activities are located."

Speaking last year, Stobart managing director Neil Rowbotham said: "North Staffordshire is a great place to do business. We are committed to keeping around 150 current jobs and creating a further 75 highly-qualified and skilled jobs in the local area by moving to a new base.

"As one of the largest logistics companies in the UK, there were other potential sites to move to. However, the Garner Street site is perfectly located.

"We hope by securing successful planning permission at Garner Street we will also be securing and creating many jobs for years to come. The new depot will feature state-of-the-art engineering workshops and offices helping us to grow and meet demand well into the future."

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