£50m business complex approved in Stone

Plans for a £50m business complex at Stone Business Park have been approved by Stafford Borough Council.The council’s enterprise growth manager advised that the development could create 500 jobs at the former NatWest data centre site.The plans include a 322,702 sq ft warehouses and offices spread across three floors which would have a total floor area of 19,181 sq ft.A new HGV entrance and gatehouse feature in the plans, alongside a service yard with 28 loading bays and space to park up to 70 trailers.The existing access from Brooms Road will be used as the entrance to a staff parking area, which will provide a total of 312 spaces and 100 bicycle spaces.The developer PLP says it would also install 16 electric vehicle chargers in the staff car park.Concerns were raised over the nature of the jobs that will be created as technology becomes more advanced, potentially forcing people out of jobs.PLP however, said that although there is no confirmed tenant, any jobs created are most likely to be high-skilled.