More jobs on way in Telford builders' merchant plans

The proposals, put forward by Keyline, part of the Travis Perkins Group, have been granted permission this week to build at Halesfield in Telford.

The company was given full planning permission to create a new builders' merchant as well as outline permission to use further land for employment use.

Under the plans, at least seven new jobs will be created with an investment of more than £1.5million.

In a report, case officer for Telford & Wrekin Council, Ian Lowe, said: "If permitted, the ‘Keyline’ development will form part of the business’ overall expansion strategy.

"In this instance the proposals provide a new site in Telford as the closest branch is located approximately 25 kilometres away in Kingswinford.

"This sustainable economic development will result in the creation of up to seven new jobs and investment of £1.7million.

"The outline element of the scheme will also deliver a deliverable site which will satisfy anticipated business demand in Telford.

"This in turn will lead to additional employment, investment and policy compliant employment development."

The company had previously been given permission to start on similar plans, which would have seen the merchants at the eastern side of the site.

Under the new proposals, it will be built on the west, with the surplus land sold off to other businesses with the outline planning permission allowing the land to be used for industrial and storage and distribution purposes.

Mr Lowe added: "The principle of the builders merchants in this location was previously established under the previous application.

" As concluded on that application the type of employment development in this location is acceptable and the scale and design of the proposed development would not cause harm to neighbouring occupiers or the surrounding area.

"The principle of the outline element of this application is also acceptable. The application site is within a strategic employment area where this type of development is already considered acceptable."

The plans were granted permission by planning officers using delegated powers.