Gailey Freight Hub: 11 homes could be demolished

Developers are in discussions with homeowners about purchasing their properties so they can be bulldozed as part of plans for the huge warehouse complex.

The multi-million pound scheme would see 700 acres of Staffordshire countryside transformed into a rail terminal with 3,000 lorries a day entering and leaving the site.

Public exhibitions are continuing this week as part of a consultation exercise over the controversial plans.

In total, 43 existing buildings would have to be demolished.

Gravelly Way Farm – which is located on the site – is proposed to be converted into estate management offices and 'welfare facilities'.

Two homes in Croft Lane would be demolished as part of plans to create one of two 'community parks'.

Four properties on Vicarage Road could also be knocked down, along with three on Straight Mile, and one each on Stafford Road and Watling Street.

Seven huge electricity pylons that cross the site will also have to be removed as well as 34 wood poles and the overhead line circuits.

All electricity supply would be moved underground.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson, who opposes the scheme, said: "This is just another reason to oppose these monstrous proposals.

"It will see the erosion of our history in the area with beautiful cottages and family homes being bulldozed with absolutely no care about their heritage or character."

Peter Frost, of developer Four Ashes Ltd, said: "All agreements are voluntary and they are progressing.

"The reason for us wanting to purchase them us that they are required for the project and that it is not suitable to have them within the red line of a development like this."

Campaigners say the scheme would cause irreversible damage to the countryside and would be an incursion on the green belt. They also argue that traffic will dramatically clog up the roads.

But the developers say 8,500 jobs will be created, boosting the local economy by £400 million a year.