Councillors set to back distribution warehouse which could bring 300 new jobs to Basildon (From Southend Standard)

Councillors set to back distribution warehouse which could bring 300 new jobs to Basildon

8:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in Echo News By Chloe Chapman

PLANS for a distribution warehouse which could create more than 300 jobs could be backed by councillors next week.

Prologis UK submitted a planning application to Basildon Council last year to transform the former Visteon Radiator plant in Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, into a large, modern distribution centre.

It is hoped that the warehouse will bring major employers to the town as the company leases its other national sites to the likes of Tesco, Superdrug, Sainsbury’s, BMW and Marks and Spencer.

The proposals have now been recommended for approval by Basildon Council on the grounds that the centre will be within an existing employment area, provide jobs and make use of an empty site.

Jonathan Buck, vice-president at Prologis, said: “We are very pleased that the planning application has been recommended for approval.

“There is a high level of demand among occupiers for modern, energy-efficient buildings of this size in the South East and the proposed development has the potential to bring up to 300 new jobs to Basildon.”

Councillors are set to vote on the plans on February 12.

Tony Ball, Tory leader of Basildon Council, said: “I very much welcome any new employer coming into the town and it’s pretty clear in my view that the distribution centre is right to be recommended for approval. It just goes to show that Basildon is open for business.”