Around 170 new jobs are set to be created at Sunderland's Bernard Matthews Foods factory after expansion plans were approved.
Expansion plans approved
Bernard Matthews Foods submitted an application last year seeking consent for 'proposed production and warehousing extensions' at its Leechmere Industrial Estate premises. The company also requested permission to demolish sections of existing structures and establish a new entrance for an additional car park.
A design and access statement presented to Sunderland City Council highlighted that the 'expansion and remodelling' of the current site could create dozens of fresh employment opportunities. It stated the planned extensions would 'increase production capacity, as well as front end and finished goods warehousing'.
New facilities and parking
The refurbishment will also feature a new first-floor section accommodating additional office facilities, a new canteen, changing rooms and amenities to 'serve the entire facility and refocus the people flow'. An extra 50 parking spaces are also on the way, along with an extra HGV dock to cope with the increase in production.
During a council public consultation on the plans, one objection was submitted which raised concerns about odour, tree loss and noise and disturbance. However, this was not enough to sway the committee's decision.
Economic growth and jobs
A report to the committee from planning officers, who recommended the plans for approval, said the proposal would 'provide opportunity to facilitate economic growth through the expansion of an existing business'. In its planning application, the applicant said the expansion would result in 'significant employment opportunities' for local people and 'secure the future of the business in this location'.
It was noted that 'the size, scale and appearance of the building raised no significant adverse impacts on the amenity of the area' and any concerns relating to noise, odour and air quality could be addressed via planning conditions. The food production facility currently has more than 300 employees.
