DX Group has had its revised planning application for a 'super hub' at Essington in the West Midlands rejected by the local council.

The rejection follows the group’s profit warning last month, which it attributed to continuing challenges in the courier market and margin pressure in its freight business.

DX Group had planned to move its headquarters and 550 staff from its current base in Willenhall to the 44-acre site, which would create another 150 jobs. However continued opposition from local residents saw DX’s revised application fail this week.

Its first application for planning permission was denied in May last year.

DX chairman Bob Holt declined to comment on claims that the company is now planning to move its operations at Willenhall out of the Black Country to either Coventry or Rugby.

In a statement the group said it is “now considering its options, including the development of an alternative site, in consultation with its stakeholders.”