Plans for the completion of Dove Valley Park (DVP) have been unanimously approved by South Derbyshire District Council.
The consented development will transform an area of land adjacent to Dove Valley Park into a centre of employment, creating local jobs and bringing economic benefits to Derbyshire.
It will complete the overall development of the business park at Dove Valley Park, forming the eastern part of the major 200-acre employment site on the A50 in South Derbyshire that is home to occupiers including JCB, Top Hat, Futaba Ltd and GXO.
The detailed planning consent will allow immediate development with the existing infrastructure of Dove Valley Park already in place to extend into the site.
Once developed, the 35-acre site will create over 700,000 sq ft of employment space for B2, B8, with ancillary E(g) use. Four units of varying sizes will be created to meet market demand for quality industrial space, along with the necessary associated hard and soft landscaping, car parking and infrastructure.
In addition, a new Innovation Centre will be developed that will serve as a central hub for all businesses in the local vicinity. The Innovation Centre is designed to draw people together and provide space for gatherings, informal meeting space and access to external areas.
There will also be a cafe/restaurant and amenity space. The Innovation Centre will also serve as a place for start-up businesses and has been developed in consultation with The University of Derby.
Commenting on the consent, Marc Freeman, Director at Clowes Developments, said: “On Tuesday 18th February, our detailed planning application for the final phase of development at Dove Valley Park was unanimously approved at committee.
“This will not only bring over 700,000 sq ft of employment space to Foston, but also provide an Innovation Centre with essential amenities, a central hub for businesses and an opportunity for startup businesses at the thriving business park. We are delighted to be able to press on with construction which will see Dove Valley Park fully developed.
“We are aiming to start works onsite before the end of the year.”
As part of the consent, a new bus route will be created to provide essential public transport links from Derby City Centre directly to Dove Valley Park. This will complement the existing bus route from Uttoxeter to the business park with timings amended to match employee shift patterns on site.
Tom Morley, Senior Land and Planning Surveyor at Clowes Developments, said: “We have worked closely with both South Derbyshire District Council and Derbyshire County Council to research existing routes, this also included canvassing opinion of current occupiers on the existing service to DVP and how it could be improved to meet the needs of its users.
“Through extensive consultation Dove Valley Park Limited have been able to identify the necessary requirements to help grow and develop the existing service. The service will see additional stops through Derby City meaning DVP will become even more accessible to current and future occupiers and their employees.”
