Approval tipped for job-spinning logistics hub

Plans for a huge job-spinning logistics development earmarked for a site in Eccles look likely to be approved.Aviva Investors is plotting the scheme comprising seven commercial units totalling 230,400 sq ft of warehouse space on land to the north of Lankro Way.The main body of the site is currently occupied by Algeco (formerly Elliott Group) as a modular/portable buildings hire and maintenance depot. The western section of the plot is formerly the site of a works.Full planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing buildings and the comprehensive redevelopment of the site for storage and distribution purposes.The development includes office space and will operate as a ‘last-mile’ logistics hub. It will facilitate the storage and subsequent movement of goods to their final delivery destination.Each unit would be provided with a service yard and car parking provision, with a total of 202 car parking spaces proposed.The applicant estimates that the development will give rise to 290 jobs on site, together with £21.8m Gross Value Added (GVA) economic output annually, including £17.4m in Salford.The construction period is expected to support 180 FTE jobs, with a £21.2m investment in the construction of the development.A council report published ahead of a Salford City Council planning and transportation regulatory panel meeting on Thursday (6 October) said: “The principle of the redevelopment of the site for employment purposes is therefore supported and would comply with the provisions of UDP Policy E5 and the directives of the NPPF to support economic growth and productivity and use suitable brownfield land within settlements for identified needs.”