Planning permission has been given for three new factories next to the giant Amazon warehouse in Darlington.

Privately-owned Co Durham-based property development company Premcor has obtained planning consent for three industrial/distribution units, with a combined floor area of 402,000 sq ft of office and industrial space at its 24-acre ‘Fabric Darlington’ site.

Immediately adjacent to the Amazon fulfilment and distribution centre, Fabric occupies a highly visible position on Tornado Way, Darlington.

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Acquired speculatively by Premcor 18 months ago, the developer has spent the intervening period developing and submitting a detailed planning application for industrial and warehouse usage.

Units vary in size from 84,000 to 213,000 sq ft, can accommodate any design and build requirement and have detailed consent for Class B2 and B8 use (industrial storage and distribution) with ancillary offices.

Premcor director, Simon Hawkins, said:  “Our successful planning application takes this speculative development into a different league in terms of deliverability and we are expecting a great deal of interest from various quarters, particularly businesses involved in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.

The Northern Echo: There is more space to expand next to AmazonThere is more space to expand next to Amazon (Image: Press release)

“Darlington is one of the North East’s longest established industrial centres and has a world-class reputation for engineering, while Fabric offers proximity to local manufacturing occupiers like British Steel and Cummins Engines as well as other nearby logistics operators such as Aldi, Argos, DHL and Fedex.

" It’s a perfect combination. As a result, we see the site as having both national potential and as a genuine gateway to the North East.”

The range of accommodation available, for sale or to let, offers design and build opportunities with a Grade A specification including a target EPC rating of ‘A’ and a minimum BREEAM rating of Excellent, while rooftops will be solar PV ready.

Fabric is being marketed by Richard Scott, industrial and logistics director at Savills Newcastle. He added: “There are hardly any sites like this left across the region and Premcor was able to quickly seize the opportunity when it became available.

"We were talking to several interested occupiers before we obtained planning consent so we can now push forward in earnest to bring some of these discussions to a positive conclusion. It is certainly an exciting development opportunity to bring to market.”

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Jonathan Dulston, Leader of the Council said: “I am delighted that the planning committee at Darlington Borough Council has given its consent for this scheme, which is sure to attract a great deal of interest. It is a huge vote of confidence in the region when major and global brands decide to locate here.

"Not only do they create jobs, but their presence attracts other businesses in their supply chains, so it is all good news for local people and the economy.”

Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of quarter two.  The Harris Partnership (Wakefield office) is project manager and architect for the scheme.