UP to 1,500 jobs could be created as part of a proposed development on land south of Burton.
St Modwen Properties revealed the astonishing figures as plans to build up to 660 homes on an 80-acre site in Branston look set to go before East Staffordshire Borough Council’s planning committee next Monday.
The application is for a mix of employment and residential use and will see the creation of hundreds of new homes and around 770,000 sq ft of employment space in the manufacturing, storage and distribution industries.
Planning officers have recommended the plans, which have not been widely welcomed by nearby residents, should be approved and the decision on the project – if supported by the committee – will then be made by the Planning Inspectorate at a later date.
Ian Romano, senior development surveyor at St Modwen, said: “We believe our proposals will bring significant benefits to the area.
“The generation of much-needed employment opportunities, a range of homes for local families, improvements to the local highways, reduced flood risks and enhanced facilities at local schools are all measures to make this an attractive location to live and work.
“We have listened to the concerns of people and adapted our plans accordingly.”
A plan has also been agreed with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust for a major part of the of the site that has been designated as green space.
The proposals include enhanced footpaths, additional community facilities and parking in the centre of Branston, improved road junctions and a major extension and £5 million of improvements to Rykneld Primary School.
There have been no objections from statutory consultees such as the Highways Agency. The developer will also be spending £700,000 on secondary school education and a similar amount on highways improvements, while substantial contributions to sports facilities will be made.
