Wolverhampton Council planners have recommended approval for an £80 million upgrade to a cold storage warehouse, despite objections from neighbours over parking, noise, and pollution. Constellation Cold Logistics (CCL) seeks to build a new 108,900 square foot cold store at its Park Lane Industrial Estate site. The council’s planning committee will meet on June 2 to decide, with officers recommending the go-ahead.
Neighbour Concerns
Ten objections were received, citing that Park Lane is already congested and that a significant increase in lorries operating 24 hours a day would worsen noise, emissions, and light pollution. Concerns were also raised about the extension’s size and its impact on parking in nearby residential areas.
Previous Application Withdrawn
A prior application, submitted in October 2025 and withdrawn in December, had promised £90 million investment and more jobs, tripling pallet storage to 60,000. That plan was withdrawn due to council concerns over warehouse size and neighbour impact.
Planning Officers' Recommendation
The report supporting approval states: “Whilst the development would introduce a substantial building and extensions within the site, the form and function are consistent with the industrial character of the area. The relationship with nearby residential properties has been fully considered, including built scale, proximity, and visual impact. Having regard to separation distances, screening, and assessments of daylight, noise, and air quality, the development would not result in unacceptable impacts on residential amenity, subject to appropriate mitigation and planning conditions.”
Job Creation and Capacity
The ‘best-in-class’ proposal, operating 24/7, would create 37 new jobs and double storage capacity to 40,000 pallets. CCL warns that if the expansion is not approved, it may relocate its facilities away from Wolverhampton, withdrawing the £80 million investment.
Site History
CCL purchased the site in 2023, noting it required “significant investment” as it had not been upgraded in 30 years, with some buildings dating to the 1950s. The company stated: “Should the new cold store not be possible at Park Lane, all CCL investment stages will not proceed. The entire facility is outdated and not fit for purpose. CCL has explored alternative sites, but no other local area can offer the required footprint. The site is the most appropriate location with the least impact on sensitive receptors and environmental sustainability.”
The statement adds that if the first stage cannot proceed, CCL would be forced to leave Park Lane as soon as possible. The warehouse could be operational by summer 2027 if approved. “Given the importance of the investment, CCL has identified other opportunities in the Black Country, but this would likely require relocating the entire campus due to operational efficiencies. Refusal would mean loss of £40 million investment in Wolverhampton and likely relocation of existing facilities, with loss of existing and proposed jobs. It is vitally important this application is approved.”
