The final plot on a South Derbyshire business park looks set to be filled after plans to build a large commercial unit potentially bringing hundreds of jobs to the area has been given the go ahead.

Ashbourne-based developer PMW Property has been given permission to construct a 4,500 sq metre building on a vacant three-acre site at the Tetron Point business park, in Swadlincote.

The building, on the corner of William Nadin Way and Cadley Hill Road, will be constructed on a site known as Plot F – and represents the final phase of Tetron Point, which has been created on a former coal site.

According to planning documents that were submitted to South Derbyshire District Council by architects Isherwood McCann, on behalf of PMW Property, the building will be divided into 10 units.

Proposed uses for the units, which will range from 520 sq metres to 374 sq metres in size. They will be for light industrial, general industrial and storage uses. There will also be office accommodation.

As part of the scheme, 20 per cent of the site will be set aside for "soft landscaping" as the development lies within the National Forest area. The bulk of this landscaping will be along the highway frontages to reduce the building's visual impact.

The applicant says the building itself will be designed in a sympathetic way, with the use of timber cladding.

In the planning documents, Isherwood McCann said: "Outwardly, the appearance of the site will be dominated by the perimeter landscaping with views of the building filtered by trees.

"Nonetheless, it is recognised that this is an important 'gateway' site and that the building should avoid being a 'functional box'.

"The external finishes will ensure that the building and site display a high quality, contemporary appearance which will enhance the site as a whole."

Isherwood McCann also stated that the development will create new jobs.

It said: "The proposed new building will not have a detrimental effect on the area and will help to enhance the area by creating potential future employment opportunities.

"The scheme complements its surroundings and co-ordinates well with the adjacent buildings."
The car park will have spaces for 81 vehicle, with the report adding: "A sufficient amount of car parking is provided as a result of the proposal to ensure that all vehicles using the site can adequately park on the site.

"The proposal has been carefully considered and the high quality design aesthetics will ensure an appropriate building on this important employment site in Swadlincote."

In a coal mining report said the property is in a surface area that could be affected by underground mining, and last worked in 1954, but added: "Any movement in the ground due to coal mining activity should have stopped. In addition the property is in an area where the Coal Authority believes there is coal at or close to the surface."