Developers are putting together plans for a new industrial park on land near junction 16 of the M6 - with a new signal-controlled access proposed on the A500.

The 192-acre site has already been marked as an area which could be released from the Green Belt for future development in Newcastle-under-Lyme's final draft Local Plan and now a public consultation is being held by the developer on their outline planning proposal.

Indurent, formed by St. Modwen Logistics and Industrials REIT, want to build six warehouses totalling around 220,000 square metres and they estimate it will create 3,500 new jobs with another 1,200 created in the local supply chain.

Residents in Audley were today invited to a "public exhibition" at Audley Cricket Club where they had the chance to share their concerns and feedback with the developers.

Damien Holdstock, Planning Director at Indurent said: "Through the Local Plan process, we have been submitting representations formally and engaging in that process.

"Construction would take six or seven years and it is would be constructed in phases, ultimately, because it is a large site. We think the demand is out there and a significant need for the floor space that we want to provide.

The project relys on Newcastle Borough Council's Local Plan releasing the land from the Green Belt. (Nub News)

Mr Holdstock added: "We are putting in an all-movement signal-controlled access on the A500, but alongside that there will be improvements to the junction 16 roundabout itself and the way that operates by putting in additional lanes.

"Ultimately, what we're bringing forward, we're looking to mitigate our impact and provide some benefits."

But not all residents are happy with the proposals due to the loss of green space and encroachment on Audley and Bignall End.

Audley resident, Philip Morgan, said: "This is a large American multi-national logistics company that is proposing to concrete 40 per cent of the village in order to extract massive profits for its shareholders and provide low-paid unskilled jobs.

"If you look at the economy of North Staffordshire, what it desperately needs is higher skilled jobs and not more and more low-skilled jobs.

"The problem is that they consume huge amounts of space but have very low levels of employment.

"The one off the A500 near Genesis is not even completed, so what is the need?

"This is a major intrusion into this community and landscape for the future."

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is in the process of finalising its Local Plan that outlines areas for proposed development, including space for employment, housing, and retail within the borough.

The Indurent website says it is "committed to working with Newcastle-under-Lyme District Council, local councillors and the community to design a high-quality strategic employment site which respects and enhances its existing landscape context. 

"This is subject to the occupiers of the industrial and logistics spaces being confirmed."

Additionally, it is suggested that the existing lay-bys on the A500 near junction 16 are removed and replaced with a dedicated lorry park facility with "significantly enhanced facilities for HGV drivers".

There are also 3km and 5km routes included in the draft plan for walking, running, horse riding and cycling.

Indurent add: "The plan has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and later this year will be subject to examination. 

"Should the plan be found 'sound', the council will then take a vote to adopt the plan formally." 

Members of the public have the opportunity to submit to the consultation on the outline planning proposal until Monday 24th March via Indurent's dedicated website for the project.

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