Amazon continues to be one of the major powerhouses of internet retailing, with millions of consumers placing orders worldwide each year. Yet in order to remain ahead of the increasingly strong competition, the online giant has recognised the need to invest beginning with a proposed expansion of its Staffordshire distribution centre.
The plans, which were submitted to Cannock Chase Council this week, would see a number of significant changes made to its existing 65,000 square metre hub on the Towers Business Park in Rugeley. As a means of increasing production on site, Amazon wishes to improve the existing vehicle circulation arrangements whilst also adding parking spaces for up to 344 additional cars and lorries.
In addition, it has proposed construction of a new gate house to improve accessibility and communication on site. Finally, new shower and toilet facilities would be constructed adjacent to the main property for lorry drivers working long shifts.
In a report to the planning committee, Amazon says; “Overall, the proposed development represents a significant investment into the Amazon site, and into Cannock Chase District as a whole, which would facilitate the expansion of the business and provide better access and parking facilities to cope with the proposed expansion.
“The development is also likely to result in the creation of more new jobs in the council area over the next few years.”
Cannock Chase Council is expected to approve the deal later this week, with planning officers having already recommended that proposed works be allowed to go ahead. Councillors will visit the site in order to ensure the plans will prove beneficial for both Amazon and the surrounding area.
The proposals would almost double the capacity of the Staffordshire base and create the opportunity for Amazon to take on around 350 permanent workers in the next few years..
The report continues; “Amazon proposes to increase staff numbers up to 3,000 (at peak times) by 2015, with potential further expansion in the future.
“This proposal will allow the proposed growth to 2015, with the potential further growth beyond if appropriate.”
Yet although planning officers believe that the expansion would yield significant economic benefits for the area, not all local residents are in support of the plans. Brereton and Ravenshill Parish Council lodged an objection this week due to the proximity of the site to a nearby residential area, claiming that both a noise assessment and a visual impact assessment should be conducted before Amazon is given the green light to proceed.
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