Peddimore, a major new industrial estate on former ‘green belt’ land adjacent to Sutton Coldfield, has been granted planning approval.

Shirley-based IM Properties (IMP) will develop the 66.5-hectare site and the infrastructure in partnership with Birmingham City Council, following its selection as preferred development partner through a rigorous international competition last year.

The development is expected to deliver up to 6,500 direct jobs and up to 3,000 supply chain jobs in the wider region.

IMP is also committed to delivering a major ‘social value programme’.

This will provide benefits for the local supply chain during construction and a positive long-term legacy for future generations, through working with local training providers and schools to facilitate access to the wide range of jobs on offer and help disadvantaged people to find work.

Kevin Ashfield, UK development director for IMP (www.improperties.co.uk), said: “Peddimore will be a best-in-class employment park for manufacturing and logistics — and a great place to work and visit.

“It is set to create a new industry benchmark for its high-quality design and landscape, plus an approach that focuses on employee well-being and sustainability.”

Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Peddimore is one of the country’s best connected and positioned development sites, and I am delighted that planning permission has been approved.

“It has the potential to be a world-class employment estate, where businesses choose to invest, operate and grow, creating thousands of skilled jobs, along with training opportunities for local people.”