World Class Airfield Development Approved
The Planning Inspectorate has approved Driveme.net’s plans to transform an old airfield in Staffordshire into a state-of-the-art driving experience centre. Driveme’s commitment to the Seighford site includes a £9 million investment into the Staffordshire economy, with the development also securing 38 existing and 58 new jobs.
The Planning Inspector’s decision followed a six day public inquiry and Driveme.net’s three year application to regenerate the site with this sustainable development, providing driver training and experience days. Driveme.net is a sister company to Treatme.net, which offers experience days and gifts such as pamper breaks and pop star experiences in the run up to Christmas.
After listening to residents, the approved, resubmitted plans show a 40 per cent reduction of the main hub building, which is no longer intended for multi-purpose use, only for use with driving experience guests. The location and site will demonstrate a world-class example of building design and low carbon use technology.
The approved plans also show improved landscaping and increased environmental considerations on the site, with reduced traffic and noise.
Allan Davies, Director of Driveme.net Ltd. said:
“This is the early Christmas present that we were hoping for and we are delighted with the decision of The Planning Inspectorate, finding in our favour on both counts.
However, we are mindful of the views and concerns expressed by those who opposed the scheme and we are keen to continue to work with the local community and thank all our supporters for their help over the last three years. At the appropriate time, we shall sit down and work with our advisory team to plan for the implementation of the major scheme. A start date on site has therefore still to be decided.
We are excited by and committed to this significant investment, which will create and secure a total of 96 jobs, crucial, especially in this tough economic climate. Driveme.net is keen to make this development a success, working with the local community to implement a green travel plan and biodiversity action plan, with landscape renewal enhancement and acoustic site management being top of our agenda.
Driveme’s facility at Seighford is already a destination for visitors from all over the UK who spend money in Staffordshire. The ruling will help us develop a world class driving centre with real jobs which we can all be justly proud of."
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driveme.net Ltd. provides professionally guided driving experiences for the general public and corporate driving days for team building and client invitation. It also instructs less able and partially sighted visitors and young drivers 12 to 16 years old in a safe and fully supervised driving environment.
The driveme.net range of experiences include driving under supervision or being driven in road legal vehicles that include saloon cars, higher powered performance cars and 4×4′s.
Press Contacts: Marketing Projects T: 01244 330000
W: www.marketingprojects.co.uk
W: www.driveme.net/staffordactivitycentre
Phil Brotherhood Jane Harrad-Roberts
E: phil@marketingprojects.co.uk jane@marketingprojects.co.uk
M: 07884 493370 M: 07785 395705
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