Store plans for derelict site

DIY store Wickes and supermarket chain Aldi are to move on to a fire-ravaged Telford industrial estate in a £12 million scheme to create 70 jobs, it has been confirmed.

A planning application has been lodged by developers Liberty Mercian for the former Snedshill Trading Estate, which has been derelict since being gutted by fire on July 2, 2007.

Director Chris Towers said he hoped building work would start in the New Year if planning permission was granted by Telford & Wrekin Council.

Mr Towers said the site near the Greyhound Roundabout would provide an "impressive approach to Oakengates and Ketley" and complement other upgrade plans for Telford.

He said: "We think this is great news for Telford - and great news for the site itself, which has now lain derelict for three years.

"It will create 70 new jobs between the two companies and they will be 70 new jobs, there wont be people transferred from other stores or anything like that.

"We now have the opportunity, planning permission permitting, to secure the development on the site and commence building works around the New Year."

The Snedshill site was acquired from the Lilleshall Brick Company by the Telford Development Company.

It was later sold to the Snedshill Development Company who occupied and traded from the premises for more than 10 years.

In recent years the majority of the tenants have vacated and the estate suffered from two significant fires.

It continued to deteriorate until it was acquired by Liberty Mercian, who worked with the remaining tenants and helped them relocate.

Original plans allowed for Wickes to occupy the whole site by opening a superstore, but the downturn in the economy and the impact in particular on the building trade forced a downscaling of plans.

It will be the third Aldi store to open in Telford if permission is granted, with a decision due next month.