Step forward for job-creating commercial project

Proposals for a major commercial project forming an extension to an established industrial and logistics development in Derbyshire have taken another step forward. The scheme is forecast to create hundreds of jobs.HBD and Devonshire Property sought outline permission from Bolsover District Council to build two industrial units on land at Seymour Lane in Woodthorpe as part of an extension to Markham Vale North.The application site comprises 68.35 acres of farmland, with the closest developments being units for Sterigenics UK Ltd, Protec Internal, Great Bear Distribution, Ferdinand Bilstein UK Ltd and Gist Ltd at Markham Vale North.It straddles the administrative boundaries between Bolsover and Chesterfield Borough Council, with the latter having approved the scheme at a meeting on 12 December 2022.The two new units will extend to approximately 732,000 sq ft and will include ancillary office accommodation, service yards, internal vehicle, circulation and parking areas, covered cycle parking areas, pump house, sprinkler tank, gate houses and perimeter fencing.It is anticipated that the scheme will result in the creation of up to 800 jobs.A report for the committee said: “Although speculative, the scheme will bring much-needed investment into the district and will provide for a scale of commercial unit for which demand is extremely high.”It is considered that the harms are outweighed by the economic benefits which will arise from the development.”Members voted to approve the scheme, subject to conditions.David Wells, director at HBD, said: “It’s great to be able to move forward with this project – it will allow us to meet established demand for superior sustainable and well-located industrial stock, while continuing to attract vital inward investment into the region. We look forward to working alongside Devonshire Property Group to bring the scheme forward.”Andrew Byrne, of Devonshire Property Group, added: “This is a high-quality extension to an already successful employment location, and will make a real contribution to the strength of the local economy and the environment.”It is a further demonstration of how the Devonshire Property business is actively investing into both Chesterfield and Bolsover, delivering on our stated ambitions of creating jobs and opportunities for local communities. We look forward to being part of this regeneration, working alongside our joint venture partner HBD.”