Plans have been unanimously approved to build a new parcel distribution centre for DPD in Carlisle.
Carlisle City Council’s development panel met at the Civic Centre on Friday, approving a number of high profile planning applications.
Among them was the proposal to build a new distribution centre for DPD on the west side of Kingmoor Park Industrial Estate.
The 62,286sq ft DPD centre, in Kingmoor Park, would replace its existing premises and employ 315 people.
The plans also include parking for 181 vans, 20 HGVs and 120 cars, including eight disabled bays. Of the 120 car parking spaces, 10 would be allocated for car sharing and two would have electric vehicle charging points with two charging points for vans.
Chairman of the planning panel David Morton said: “This is another application that’s welcomed in the city, I’m sure.”
Before giving the new DPD base their seal of approval, councillors were told it will mean the creation of more jobs in the area.
Cllr Morton said: “We’re all about increasing the economy and viability of the city so it’s got to be good news.”
Kingmoor Properties Limited produced a business case for the planning application, explaining why there was a need in Carlisle for this kind of development.
Councillor Marilyn Bowman, portfolio holder for economy, enterprise and housing proposed that the panel approves the application, in line with the recommendation of city council officers.
Cllr Chris Wills who represents Currock and Upperby said: “Chairman, I’d like to echo your point about the jobs generation, that is a real positive for the city.”
Councillor John Collier asked if more could be done to make the expanding site more cohesive.
He said: “Kingmoor Park to my mind has been just developed on an ad hoc basis and I would like to see some kind of signage put up there directing people on where to go.
“Because you can go to Kingmoor Park and you could ride around, as I have done on one or two occasions, trying to find your way around Kingmoor Park, its like a pool of spaghetti.
“You go round and round, there’s no indication of which site does what, who owns it, what services they’re supplying.”
Cllr Collier was advised by Chris Hardman, development manager that the applicants have heard his concerns and will no doubt see what could be done to address the issue.
