A replacement building is set to be constructed at a Pemberton industrial estate following a devastating fire earlier this year, with plans submitted to Wigan council for a taller structure on the same footprint.
The blaze broke out in May at equipment supplier HSP Site Services on Leopold Street, at the New Venture Business Park. Several fire crews attended and fought the fire for more than two hours, with thick plumes of smoke visible from many areas of the town.
Planning Application Submitted
A planning application has been filed with Wigan council in the past week to build a taller building at the site after its destruction. Planning reports state the replacement building has been deliberately designed to occupy the same footprint as the previous structure.
Applicant James Gee Building Contractors said it will use the existing concrete floor slab and foundations where they are confirmed as structurally suitable. The report said there would be an increase in overall building height of approximately two metres.
Design Approach
The report added: "This has been introduced to provide a building that is appropriate for contemporary industrial and commercial operational requirements while retaining the established scale, form and character of the surrounding business park."
"The former building has been lost as a consequence of fire. However, the existing concrete slab and foundations remain, and it is intended that these are retained and incorporated into the replacement development, subject to the necessary structural inspection and confirmation of their suitability."
"This is an important element of the design approach. Rather than redesigning or repositioning the development on the site, the proposal reinstates the established building footprint."
Next Steps
The report said the two metre height increase compared with the former building 'would remain comfortably within the established range of building heights found within the surrounding industrial estate'. Planners at Wigan council will consider the plans in the coming weeks.
