Developer Takes Action to Force Decision on £363 Million Employment Park
A major business park developer has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate to compel two local authorities to make a decision on its £363 million employment park proposal. IM Properties is seeking certainty for its future plans after waiting ten months for a ruling from Birmingham City Council and North Warwickshire Borough Council.
Cross-Boundary Application Stalled for Months
The developer submitted a cross-boundary planning application in May last year for the Thrive employment park, which would be located near Curdworth village on the Birmingham/North Warwickshire border. The site is strategically positioned close to Junction 9 of the M42 motorway, a key factor for logistics and accessibility.
IM Properties has a track record of developing employment sites in the West Midlands, including the Peddimore site in Sutton Coldfield that houses a massive Amazon fulfillment center. The new proposal would neighbor that existing development.
Green Belt vs. Grey Belt Debate
The proposed 124-hectare site—approximately the size of 150 football pitches—is currently designated as Green Belt land. However, developers argue it qualifies as 'grey belt' land, which refers to previously developed areas within the Green Belt or land that doesn't fully meet Green Belt purposes.
Matthew Fox, planning director at IM Properties, stated: "We have taken the decision to lodge an appeal to speed up the process to determine our application. This is because our proposals will deliver significant benefits for Warwickshire and the West Midlands."
Potential for Thousands of Jobs
The developer claims the Thrive employment park could create up to 6,000 jobs and attract investment in advanced manufacturing, research and development, and high-value logistics. Fox emphasized the urgency, saying: "Businesses are ready to invest and bring jobs here now—not in several years' time. Any further delay could see investment redirected elsewhere."
IM Properties believes the appeal process is the fastest route to a decision that would unlock inclusive growth in North Warwickshire and the wider region. The company has outlined plans for a sustainable development featuring landscaped parkland, biodiversity initiatives, active travel options, and social value commitments.
Community Concerns and Opposition
Local residents have expressed strong concerns about the scale of the development, with some describing it as a "dreaded concrete jungle" and questioning the protection of Green Belt land. Traffic congestion near Junction 9 of the M42 has been a particular worry, with Councillor Ken Wood noting the network is "already at capacity."
To address environmental concerns, IM Properties has proposed incorporating accessible open spaces, lakes, community orchards, allotments, and eco-friendly transport options including electric vehicle charging stations. The company also promises skills training and education initiatives benefiting surrounding communities.
The Planning Inspectorate will now review the appeal as both councils continue to face resource challenges while adapting to government planning reforms. The outcome could set important precedents for large-scale, cross-boundary development projects in the region.
