Developer given go-ahead for business park’s final phase

Clowes Developments has been given the green light to complete a business park in Derbyshire, which will feature a new innovation centre.

South Derbyshire District Council has unanimously approved proposals to transform a 35-acre site, adjacent to Dove Valley Park, at Foston, to create more than 700,000 sq ft of employment space.

Four units of varying sizes will be created to meet market demand for industrial space, along with landscaping, car parking and infrastructure.

In addition, a new Innovation Centre, developed in consultation with the University of Derby, will be created to serve as a central hub for all businesses in the local vicinity.

The scheme will complete the overall development of Dove Valley Park, forming the eastern part of the 200-acre employment site, which sits off the A50.

Marc Freeman director at Clowes Developments said: “This will not only bring over 700,000 sq ft of employment space to Foston, but also provide an Innovation Centre with essential amenities, a central hub for businesses and an opportunity for start up businesses at the thriving business park.

“We are delighted to be able to press on with construction, which will see Dove Valley Park fully developed. We are aiming to start works onsite before the end of the year.”

The Innovation Centre element of the final phase will be overseen by Burton and South Derbyshire College, providing support for up to 100 apprenticeships per year.

As part of the consent, a new bus route will be created to provide essential public transport links from Derby city centre directly to Dove Valley Park.

This will complement an existing bus route from Uttoxeter to the business park with timings amended to match employee shift patterns on site.

Tom Morley, senior land and planning surveyor at Clowes Developments, said: “We have worked closely with both South Derbyshire District Council and Derbyshire County Council to research existing routes.

“This also included canvassing opinion of current occupiers on the existing service to Dove Valley Park and how it could be improved to meet the needs of its users.

“Through extensive consultation Dove Valley Park Limited have been able to identify the necessary requirements to help grow and develop the existing service.

“The service will see additional stops through Derby city meaning Dove Valley Park will become even more accessible to current and future occupiers and their employees.”