A COUNCIL is being consulted on plans for a massive warehouse which could create almost 1,200 jobs.

GB Europe Holdings has submitted an application to Liverpool City Council for a 88,000 sq m logistics facility on Dakota Drive in Speke and Halton Council has been asked to join a neighbouring authority consultation.

Councils are required to consult neighbouring authorities where their residents may be affected by a proposal.

If given the go ahead, the unit would be built on the former Prinovis printworks factory and include new office space, HGV loading bays and parking. It would be occupied by logistics firm Uniserve - part of the GB Europe Holdings group of companies - and have 118 HGV dock levellers, with the adjoining car park having space for 238 lorries.

Project chiefs said up to 500 new roles could be created, in addition to 680 jobs during construction. A planning document submitted in support outlined potential travel times between the planned facility and both Widnes and Runcorn.

It said: "Surrounding residential areas in south-east Liverpool are accessible between 30-45 minutes (travel time). Liverpool City Centre, and parts of Prescot, Birkenhead, Runcorn, Widnes and other neighbouring towns are accessible between 45-60 minutes."

There would be 600 staff car parking spaces as well as electric vehicle charging and secure cycle storage.

A spokesman for GB Europe Holdings, said: "We are seeking planning approval for a state- of-the-art logistics centre, which will create a substantial number of new jobs on what is currently a redundant brownfield site."

GB Europe acquired the 50-acre site last year in a £22m deal and some demolition work is planned for part of the site.

The spokesman added: “The warehouse and distribution building has been carefully designed to provide a high-quality working environment for our future employees."

A decision on the application by Liverpool City Council is expected early in the new year.