New distribution centre in Swadlincote to create 800 jobs after councillors give the green light

A new pallet distribution centre has been approved in Swadlincote – creating nearly 800 jobs.

The scheme would see the now vacant Bison Precast Concrete works, off the A514, given a new lease of life.

Last night (Feb 8), at a South Derbyshire District Council meeting, councillors unanimously approved the plans to build a new pallet distribution centre on the site, which has recently been vacated.

Bison closed down its Swadlincote site last summer, due to the financial impacts of the pandemic, with 90 jobs at the site lost and 200 across the UK.

The new business venture, from Mulberry Logistics Park Doncaster Limited, looks set to create more than eight times as many jobs.

However, planning documents claim that 250 full-time employees had been operating at the site and that the incoming 775 jobs would all be full-time roles. This would be three times the previous number of jobs.

Steffan Saunders, the district council's head of planning, said due to the economic issues and job prospects associated with the application it had been brought for a decision before numerous issues have been solved.

He said objections had been raised around the noise which could be generated by the site and how this could affect residents in the surrounding area – particularly due to it being a 24-hour business.

Mr Saunders said residents had claimed "financial reasons" for the application were being favoured above the consideration of residents.

He said residents also said the increased noise and fumes from HGVs, throughout the night, could further impact people.

Mr Saunders said the HGVs and other vehicles on site would have reversing alarms, but they would be quieter versions in an aim to avoid disruption.

Gurdeep Gill, agent for the applicants, said there were not going to be any "material adverse impacts" from the scheme.

He said the vast majority of HGV traffic would use the A444 and not travel through Swadlincote itself.

Mr Saunders said he was satisfied with the application, in an area which has already been in use by heavy industry, which would bring more jobs to the town.

Cllr Trevor Southerd, deputy leader of the authority, said: "We have for many years had a concrete site under Bison.

"This, I suppose, is a godsend replacement for Bison.

"Most people that know the site know there are houses in close proximity to that site."

Cllr Kevin Richards, leader of the council, said he had "reservations" about the scheme, due to the potential noise generated by the 24-hour business.

However, he said it would be an improvement on the concrete business, which he claimed had impacted the nearby new golf course, saying "concrete dust and golf courses don't mix, it ruins them".

He said: "There is going to be a more sympathetic business there than previously."

Cllr Amy Wheelton said: "I pass this site every time I enter Swadlincote, and it will be good to see it brought back to life bringing employment and growth to South Derbyshire."

She said continuous issues with flooding at the roundabout at the A514 and Cadley Hill needs to be addressed as a priority, and that existing infrastructure needs to be able to support the business.

Planning documents say the site will have space for 244 HGVs, 299 cars, 17 electric vehicle charging points and numerous cycle storage areas.

The warehouse itself would cover around 57,000 square metres of space and reach 13 metres in height. Much of the building would be open – like a canopy – with vehicles being able to pull in and out of it.

Cllr Lisa Brown said: "It is bringing all the employment and breathing life back into this site again."

However she said flooding issues "have the potential to bring this whole logistics thing to a shuddering halt".

Mr Saunders said that, ideally, a drainage pond would be created on the site, but said other engineering solutions were being explored.

Cllr Peter Watson called it a "marvellous scheme" and asked the developer to consider putting solar panels on the roof of the buildings.

Planning documents detail that the scheme could bring £25.5 million to £29.8 million a year into the local economy and that the council may benefit from up to £1 million a year in business rates.