Go-ahead expected for job-creating warehouses plans

A total of 500 jobs could be created in Stoke-on-Trent after plans for two storage and distribution warehouses were recommended for approval for next week.Gazeley UK, a London-based investor, developer and manager of logistics sites, is seeking permission from the city council to develop the the 21.5-acre site, which was the location of Johnson Matthey Colours and Coatings before it was demolished in 2002.The plans include 373,722 sq ft of warehousing and 28,987 of office space across the two buildings on land in Whittle Road, Meir Park. The potential occupiers of the buildings have not yet been revealed.Stoke-on-Trent City Council in is set to make a final decision on the proposals at a meeting on Wednesday 15 August.The site already has planning approval for 436,584 sq ft of warehousing and 23,303 sq ft of office space. If approved, a total of 260 car parking spaces would be created.