Local business voices support for peddimore development ahead of planning determination

The Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, which represents the interests of local businesses across the town, has welcomed proposals for the Peddimore development that would create up to 6,500 direct new jobs, support a further 3,000 jobs across the wider region and attract leading manufacturing and logistics companies to the area.

A planning application for the Peddimore development was submitted by IM Properties (IMP) in January 2019 has been recommended for approval and is due to be determined by Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee on 15 August. Subject to permission being granted, work could begin on site later this year.

IMP, a significant investor in the Midlands, will deliver the site and is seeking permission to deliver 66.5 hectares of employment space and infrastructure that could create a new economic asset for Royal Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham.

Chris Brewerton, head of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is backing IMP’s plans for the site. He commented: “The significant investment at Peddimore is set to attract key logistics and manufacturing businesses to the local area over the coming years. The benefit will be felt keenly across Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham and will bring new jobs, further prosperity and encourage spending from contractors, tenants and employees throughout the construction and eventual completion of the site.”

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce has also recognised the benefits that Peddimore could deliver. He said: “Providing opportunities for major logistics and manufacturing brands to move into the park and increased spending across the local economy will have major benefits for the area.”

If granted planning consent, IMP would to undertake a programme of highways and infrastructure improvements, including a new signal-controlled roundabout on the A38 and a traffic-free bridge over the A38 to connect pedestrians and cyclists to the proposed Langley Urban Extension and beyond.

Being built to a high level of building design, Peddimore will include substantial and attractive landscaping, with a 4km pedestrian and cycle path planned to circle the site. As part of a Green Travel District, Peddimore will aim to improve the mobility of people and goods to reduce reliance on the private car, promote walking and cycling to minimise impact on local roads, and improve air quality and accessibility to the site.

IMP has also set out a programme of long-term commitments that will support communities in the local and wider area. This includes enhancing employment prospects by helping to connect people with opportunities and providing training to equip them with necessary skills. It will also facilitate links with local suppliers and businesses where possible in the delivery and operation of the scheme.

David Smith, planning director for IMP has welcomed support from business groups and is confident of the benefits the Peddimore development could bring to Minworth and the wider Birmingham area.

He commented: “Our vision for Peddimore is to create a high-quality development that attracts leading national and international manufacturing and logistics businesses, delivers a best in class employment location and a social and economic asset that Royal Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham can be proud of. This includes looking where possible to work with local suppliers across a range of services and open up opportunities for SMEs and social enterprises.

“We have already held a ‘meet the buyer’ event and promoted the development extensively to local businesses and SMEs, to highlight potential commercial opportunities. If the application is approved, we will continue to hold similar events throughout the construction process.”

The planning application follows extensive pre-application dialogue with officers at Birmingham City Council and a major consultation, which included eight public exhibitions and a comprehensive programme of engagement with elected members, residents, community groups and businesses.