The dual planning application for Boots to create new commercial opportunities and residential housing on its site in Beeston was granted by Nottingham City and Broxtowe Borough Councils yesterday.

Planning consents for the site have now been granted following a public consultation and formal review from both Nottingham City and Broxtowe Borough Councils. This includes consent for the overall land use distribution, which will allow up to 82,000sqm of new commercial space and outline consent for resident housing of up to 675 new homes.

Detailed planning permission has also been granted for a new public highway (including associated infrastructure modifications) connecting Thane Road with Humber Road South. The detailed plan takes into account feedback collected during the public consultation to ensure any impact on traffic and transport is carefully monitored and accounted for.

Combined, the outline and detailed consents work together to help to achieve the long term vision for the Boots site to become a sustainable and vibrant mixed use environment in a high quality landscaped setting. The site will provide opportunities for both local and regional businesses and communities and will also become a fully integrated part of the wider Beeston and Nottingham neighbourhoods. The site development will be carried out to the highest possible environmental and sustainability standards, and will continue to maintain green spaces in order to allow ecology diversity to flourish and be enjoyed by all.

Local Growth Minister Penny Mordaunt said:

“Nottingham’s Enterprise Zone is going from strength to strength so it’s crucial that everything is done to support this growth.  Getting the green light for these developments, including this much-needed access road to the Boots site, will ensure that the zone continues to attract top-class employers, who offer highly skilled and well-paid jobs. That’s great news for the local economy as is our recent announcement that the zone will be extended to Derby. It’s all part of our long-term economic plan that is helping businesses grow and delivering real benefits to hard-working people.”

Ken Murphy, Managing Director, Health and Beauty International and Brands, Alliance Boots, comments:

“We are thrilled with the results of our planning application, announced by Broxtowe Borough and Nottingham City Councils today. These plans, as part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, reiterate our long term ambition to invest in sustained economic growth and job creation in Nottingham and further contribute to this city and the UK’s leading reputation in the life sciences industry. This announcement affirms the next step and most exciting phase of progress on the Nottingham Enterprise Zone that we have seen yet, as we continue on our journey to creating a Health, Beauty and Wellbeing hub development.”

The 279 acre Boots site, which has been home to the UK’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer since it was bought by Jesse Boot in 1927 was awarded Enterprise Zone status in 2011 during a visit from Prime Minster, David Cameron and his Deputy Nick Clegg. Significant progress has already been made at MediCity, the innovation hub and first business to open on the Boots site as part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone in November 2013, which is now host to over 30 expanding companies who between them employ over 80 staff.

Funding partners for the development of the Enterprise Zone include D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Nottingham City Council and the Department for Communities and Local Government.