Gailey rail hub plans progressing
Plans for a major rail freight interchange in Staffordshire are 'progressing well', according to developers behind the scheme.
Four Ashes Limited is behind the rail terminal for land in Gailey between Junction 12 of the M6 and the main A449 Stafford Road.
It was first announced last year, but was met with local opposition during the first consultation, with MPs Jeremy Lefroy and Gavin Williamson backing campaigners.
The two MPs are to host public meetings next month on the issue.
Speaking yesterday, Four Ashes Limited spokesman Ross Pearson said: "The plans are progressing well, there will be more detail coming out ahead of the second consultation."
Dates for the second consultation, set to take place this year, have not yet been announced.
Following the consultation, the firm plans to submit an application for a development consent order to the Government.
It will be decided by the Planning Inspectorate.
The scheme will include a rail terminal with 17 warehouses and service buildings around 800,000 square metres in size.
Two options have been presented with both covering more than 600 acres of land.
It will create 8,500 jobs, boost manufacturing and logistics, and reduce the number of HGVs on roads across the West Midlands, according to the developers.
Each plan proposes a new roundabout on the A5 and A449.
But the plan has been met with criticism from people living nearby.
A group called Stop the Gailey Freight Hub has also been launched.
Penkridge parish councillor Chloe Burns said: "Local councillors are in agreement that this plan is inappropriate for green belt land in its current state.
"Residents are concerned also about Penkidge station, and how it will cope with the extra commuters."
She added: "We are in the process of working of our case against the scheme ahead of the proposal being submitted."
