Erdington: jobs hope as former GKN Automotive car parts factory redevelopment approved

GKN Automotive, a global engineering and manufacturing company, announced plans to close the factory in 2021, a decision which left hundreds of workers facing unemployment.

But now the Chester Road site could be home to a new scheme after plans were given the green light by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee today, November 28.

The proposals are set to involve the demolition of all buildings to make way for ‘industrial and logistics units’, parking, landscaping and an electric vehicle charging station.

Speaking at today’s meeting, Erdington councillor Gareth Moore said: “It’s a shame GKN has left the site and it’s a great shame in terms of what it did for the local area.”

Get the latest updates - follow us on our Facebook page

“But I welcome the fact this application has come forward.”

He said the redevelopment would “hopefully bring some much-needed jobs to the area”.

Coun Jane Jones added: “I was involved with Jack Dromey, the [former] MP for Erdington, to try and fight to keep this company [GKN] open.

“It was a prestigious company […] so it’s very sad to see it’s no longer going to be there but I agree with the new use of it.”

Those behind the proposed development said in a design document: “The scheme has the potential to deliver a realistic quantum of employment space given the available site area whilst considering and respecting adjacent residents and business users.

“The design approach offers a clear and logical layout that will provide not only a safe and secure working environment but also an enhancement to the local region.

“The site will be developed to be a fully inclusive employment environment which will be attractive to occupiers thereby promoting new employment uses in the area”.

The application was unanimously approved by the planning committee.