Plans could create 100s of new jobs in Donnington

If the plans come to fruition the site would become a main centre for the MOD’s logistics operation in the UK.

Telford & Wrekin Council has been working with the Ministry of Defence for nearly two years to look at how Donnington can meet the requirements.

As a result in the next few weeks, the Council will be submitting a major planning application for buildings of around 1 million sq ft on land next to the Donnington site so that it can deliver the MoD’s requirements.

If the Telford bid is successful and planning permission gained, this could make Telford a main centre for the MOD’s logistics operation in the UK.

This would not only protect existing jobs at Donnington but would also attract hundreds of new jobs.

Further details of the planning application is set to be published before Christmas as part of a start of a public consultation on the proposals.

Councillor Bill McClements, cabinet member for finance and enterprise, said: “I, together with the Council’s leader and senior managers, have met many times with key officials at the MoD over the last 18 months to first put and then develop the case for Telford as the centre for National Defence Gateway.

“We are now at the point where we can bring our proposals forward showing just what we can deliver.

“This is another example of the Council’s business winning approach which has allowed us to seize this opportunity and develop our offer to the MoD, which we know will give them an excellent value solution for their future national logistics requirements and would provide a real boost for the economy.”