Lovel Developments submits plans for new 400,000 sq ft business site

Pictured is Philip Lovel (right), Managing Director of Lovel Developments, and Development Manager Steve Roberts at the proposed site.

A property and development company based in East Yorkshire has revealed plans for a major project on its doorstep to help meet the demand for new employment space and drive investment, growth and jobs.

Lovel Developments has submitted an outline planning application for a scheme which would deliver around 400,000 sq ft of new business space, expanding existing business parks including Green Park at junction 38 on the M62 at Newport.

The company itself relocated to Green Park in 2019 and sees the location as ideal for supporting the growth of local businesses and attracting significant inward investment, with this development having the potential to create up to 600 jobs.

Philip Lovel, who founded Lovel Developments in Beverley 25 years ago, said: “We began by specialising in strategic housing projects and then expanded into the health sector and commercial. As our business grew, the search for a new home brought us to Newport, and we’ve had a front row seat here watching more businesses arrive and thrive.

“When this opportunity arose just a short distance from our offices we didn’t hesitate. We know from experience that it’s a great, strategic location and is in demand from a variety of business sectors, particularly as there is a limited supply of available space. 

“We moved here because of the excellent road links to all points of the compass, we’re confident others will be eager to share those benefits and we’re currently working on similar projects elsewhere across Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the North West.”

The proposals will benefit from the cluster of neighbouring businesses operating in growth sectors including distribution, manufacturing, energy, construction and civil engineering which have taken root in the area during two decades of development.

Mr Lovel said the project will also reflect the priorities set out in the revised National Planning Policy Framework and the East Riding Strategy and Local Plan Update, and particularly the desire to promote and safeguard sustainable economic growth and jobs.

Demand is expected from sectors including light industrial, general industry and storage and distribution. Businesses relocating to the site can expect to find highly sustainable, high specification, modern employment units in a range of sizes and configurations with renewable energy, flexible power supply, car parking and cycle storage all within a landscaped and attractive development.

Mr Lovel said: “The proposals here are for a high quality expansion of the existing employment area at junction 38, providing new, additional, modern floorspace and creating many new jobs. 

“There is growing recognition that planning decisions should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt. Added to that there’s an expectation that significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development. 

“In the East Riding there’s a strong need and market demand for employment land to accommodate predicted growth and meet occupier requirements in key sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing and engineering, agriculture, food and drink and many more. These proposals are of a scale and quality which will help to promote and support employment growth and stimulate continued economic investment to the area, consistent with regional and local aspirations.”