Taking the lead – SGP planning win for new Pets at Home distribution centre in Stafford

SGP is delighted to have won planning permission for a new £45 million, 670,366 square feet (62,278 square meter) warehouse for pet supplies retailing giant, Pets at Home. Situated on a 52 acres (21 hectares) plot in the Stafford North Business Park, between the M6 and A34, the bespoke national storage and distribution centre will include a three-storey projecting office element, 26 docks plus 24 level access doors and various support facilities such as wash and weighing stations, parking, substantial landscaping and a security gatehouse.

Explains James Nicholls, Managing Partner at SGP: “We worked closely with developer Stoford Developments to create a practical and flexible distribution hub for Pets at Home, which will employ more than 800 people. As a project, it sits perfectly with our expertise in the logistics sector and is an excellent example of the current demand for logistics space by retailers, particularly to serve their online and ecommerce business.”

Elevational and visual impact mitigation was a particular challenge and SGP worked successfully with Stafford Borough Council to agree the design. The massing of the structure is minimised by the use of a randomised, graduated and earthy colour palette with a horizontal emphasis as an abstract interpretation of the site’s undulating landscape. The vibrant green of Pets at Home branding has been used to highlight key elements of the building and the pet care company’s logo will be easily distinguishable.

Concludes James: “All parties came together to create a design that not only met the client’s and developer’s needs but eventually gained a unanimous planning approval.”

The warehouse facilities are to be constructed in two phases and are expected to open in 2022.