Clowes Developments has secured unanimous planning approval from South Derbyshire District Council for a significant new development at Plot 11 of Dove Valley Park in Foston.

The approved scheme consists of two warehouse units totalling 542,000 sq ft (50,000 sq m) and is anticipated to be the final phase of the established industrial and distribution hub.

The development, which is being brought forward for an unnamed occupier, will include 42 HGV docking bays and 329 car parking spaces. Planning committee members were informed that the project represents a major inward investment for the region, with the potential to generate up to 700 full-time jobs for the local area.

In addition to the industrial units, a revised proposal for the site's Innovation Centre was also granted approval. Managed by the Dove Valley Park Management Company, the facility is designed to serve as a central hub for businesses within the park and the surrounding district. It will offer flexible meeting rooms, collaboration areas, informal breakout spaces, and a café/restaurant, complemented by landscaped external amenities. The Innovation Centre received formal letters of support from both The University of Derby and Burton and South Derbyshire College.

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Addressing the committee, Marc Freeman, Director at Clowes Developments, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for South Derbyshire to secure much-needed jobs. This development complements existing businesses and will deliver significant long-term benefits to the area."

The quality of the application was praised during the meeting, with Councillor Amy Wheelton stating: "This is setting the bar high for this type of application. It is absolutely brilliant. I am most excited about the Innovation Centre. This is huge for South Derbyshire."

The design of the scheme was led by AEW Architects, aiming for a BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating. Dave Somers, Associate Director at AEW Architects, added: "With a potential occupier in mind, we've refined the previously consented scheme at Dove Valley Park to meet their specific operational needs while retaining the character and principles already established. We've evolved a high-quality, sustainable proposal targeting BREEAM Excellent that will support continued growth at this established industrial location and deliver economic benefits locally and nationally."

Strategically positioned off the A50 between Derby and Uttoxeter, Dove Valley Park has already seen the development of nearly one million sq ft of commercial space. Current occupiers at the site include high-profile names such as JCB, TopHat, GXO, MEG, and Hines.