Deeside: Plans for industrial units at former Corus site submitted

A planning application has been submitted to Flintshire Council for the proposal for land at the Former Corus site in Garden City.

The plans, by Pochin Goodman Ltd, form part of the Northern Gateway development near the site of the former RAF Sealand base - a site ear-marked in Flintshire Council's Local Development Plan (LDP).

The site is located to the south of Deeside Industrial Estate, next to the John Summers clocktower building (near Hawarden Bridge railway station). 

The application seeks permission for 103,200 sqm of employment space over five units for a mix of industrial, storage and distribution uses. 

The proposals include five units, with unit 1 over 36,789 sqm, unit 2a – 5,479 sqm, unit 2b – 10,901 sqm, unit 3 – 3,627 sqm and unit 4 – 46,439 sqm.

Where the units would be located. (Image: Planning documents)

Planning documents state that the scheme would create a total of 1,086 new jobs.

A planning statement says: “The proposals will deliver jobs and investment that is central to the delivery of the LDP (Local Development Plan) and economic growth aspirations for the area. The delivery of the scheme is a key aim of national and local importance and contained within the LDP.

“The grant of permission for this application will therefore enable the delivery of Northern Gateway to be realised and the creation of much needed employment adjacent to new housing also proposed on this Strategic Site.

"This presents the opportunity to deliver the final employment phases of the employment led mixed use development on the former Corus Garden city site."

It adds: “The Northern Gateway Site is one of the largest private sector-led developments in North Wales and North West of England. It therefore remains a regionally and nationally significant site (including a designated Enterprise Zone for Deeside) with the aim of delivering economic growth to North Wales.

“The aim of the Growth Zone and Enterprise Zone (EZ) is to deliver sustainable growth and regeneration which transforms communities and attract inward investment, and provide a catalyst for generating new skilled jobs whilst safeguarding existing jobs. This employment development will provide a unique opportunity for both the EZ and North Wales to strengthen its economic base and create new jobs and employment in accordance with national policy.

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“The intention to deliver this employment development is in response to active discussions with potential future occupiers regarding the implementation stage and represents a significant step forward. It will deliver investment and jobs which should be afforded significant weight as a positive material consideration in favour of the grant of planning permission."

It adds: “Employment opportunities will initially be created at the construction stage. Permanent employment opportunities will then be created at the operational stage.

"The grant of permission for this application will therefore enable the delivery of Northern Gateway to be realised and the creation of much needed employment adjacent to new housing also proposed on this strategic site.

"The applicant is committed to delivering a very high standard of design, with careful consideration given to the buildings and layout. Taking into account key views into the site, the design, style and materials have been used to ensure a quality outcome and assimilate the buildings into the surrounding environment."