Project information
About the project
Type of application: Rail Freight Interchanges
Name of applicant: Four Ashes Limited
Whilst the detailed proposals are still evolving, the West Midlands Interchange is likely to include the following principal elements: • An intermodal freight terminal accommodating up to 10 trains per day and trains of up to 775m long and including container storage and HGV parking; • Around 800,000 sqm of rail served warehousing and ancillary service buildings (and may include an element of manufacturing and processing); • A new rail terminal with connections to the West Coast Main Line; • New road infrastructure and works to the existing road infrastructure; • Demolition of existing structures and structural earthworks to create development plots and landscape zones; • Strategic landscaping and open space, including alterations to public rights of way and the creation of new publicly accessible open areas. The site is located within the West Midlands, approximately 10km to the north of Wolverhampton and 6km west of Cannock (WV10 7BW). The site comprises approximately 260 hectares of land immediately west of Junction 12 of the M6. The northern site boundary is formed by the A5 road, from Junction 12 to the Gailey Roundabout. The western site boundary is formed by the A449 (Stafford Road), from the Gailey Roundabout to Station Drive. The southern site boundary is on land north of Station Drive and Straight Mile but west of Stable Lane and Woodlands. The site is located within South Staffordshire District Council and the wider Stafford County Council administrative boundaries.
View the developer's websiteProject stage
This project is at the post-decision stage.
This application was granted on 4 May 2020.
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Pre-application
This is where the applicant starts to create their application. The applicant is required to consult with people and organisations in the area. They must also create detailed documents about the impact the project could have on the environment.
It is important to get involved at this stage to influence the application before the applicant sends it to the Planning Inspectorate.
Find out what you can do at this stage and check our detailed guides. - Completed
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Acceptance
This is when the applicant sends us their application documents. We check if we can accept the application for examination. We have 28 days to make this decision.
How the acceptance stage works and what happens next. - Completed
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Pre-examination
The Examining Authority is appointed and is made up of one or more inspectors. Anyone who wants to have their say needs to register at this stage.
The applicant must publish that the application has been accepted by us. They include when and how parties can register to get involved. The time period for registering is set by the applicant but must be no less than 28 days.
The pre-examination stage usually takes about 3 months.
What happens during the pre-examination stage. - Completed
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Examination
The Examining Authority will ask questions about the proposed development. The applicant and anyone who has registered to have their say can get involved and submit comments at each deadline in the timetable. You can also attend hearings that may take place. This stage takes up to 6 months.
What happens at the examination stage? - Completed
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Recommendation
The Examining Authority writes its recommendation report. This must be completed and sent to the relevant Secretary of State within 3 months of the end of examination stage.
Making a recommendation. - Completed
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Decision
The decision stage is when the relevant Secretary of State then reviews the report and makes the final decision. They have 3 months to make a decision.
Who makes the final decision. - Completed
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What happens after the decision is made
Once the Secretary of State has made a decision, there is a 6 week period where people can challenge the decision in the high court. This is called a judicial review.
What you can do after the decision has been made.
Project location
West Midlands
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Contact us
Telephone
If you have an interested party number, have it with you when you call.
Telephone: 0303 444 5000
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (except bank holidays)
NIEnquiries@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.
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We aim to respond within 10 working days.
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