NR currently sources its sleepers from Doncaster and Washwood Heath, but the closure of the Washwood Heath facility to accommodate a hub for the High Speed 2 project resulted in the need for the new facility.
Following public feedback, the final plans feature a number of changes including the relocation of the proposed site 600m to the east away from local properties, the construction of a new road to improve access and remove the impact of vehicles on adjacent homes, and the development of a one-way traffic management plan which halves the number of lorry movements past any one location.
The proposed facility will produce up to 600,000 railway sleepers every year, 60% of Britain’s annual requirement.
The new facility will create 150 construction jobs and up to 100 permanent jobs at the site and in the local supply chain, and NR estimates that 90% of construction spend on the project will be through local businesses.
The application is expected to be considered by members of Sandwell Council’s planning committee in November.
