Warehouse confirmed for former newspaper site

A commercial warehouse and offices are to be built on the site of the Shropshire Star's former base after planning permission was granted.

The newspaper was produced for more than half a century on Waterloo Road, in Ketley, Telford, before the title relocated in 2022 saying the offices were too big for the operation.

The offices and associated print works were demolished in 2023.

Now, a 4,264 sq metre (45,897 sq ft) warehouse will be constructed on the western part of the site along with about 400sq metres (4,305 sq ft) of incorporated offices under plans submitted by Shrewsbury firm Morris & Co.

The application stated there would be 54 parking spaces, cycle storage and a separate service yard with provision to cater for heavy goods vehicles.

A report from a Telford & Wrekin Council planning officer said initial concerns over drainage and ecology at the site had been resolved with planning conditions.

The project was also subject to financial contributions from the developer, with the council’s highways team asking for £23,000 towards upgrading bus stops in the area and £5,000 towards the monitoring of a sustainable travel plan.

“The building layout as designed minimises the impact on the surrounding land uses, in particular residential properties to the north," the planning officer's report stated.

"All heavy goods vehicle movements and servicing are contained to the south side of the building facing the existing business park away from residential properties so as to mitigate any potential impact on residential amenity."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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