New factory and offices on the cards for Whaley Bridge company Mini Bus Options
A business in Whaley Bridge is looking to expand by taking over an empty building and rebuilding a new factory and offices.
Fred James from Minibus Options Ltd has submitted plans to High Peak Borough Council to take over the former A F Whiteley & Co Ltd site.
The building on Bingswood Road, Whaley Bridge has been empty since 2016 when the metal fabricating business ceased trading.
Speaking in a statement submitted with the application Mr James said: “Minibus Options provides much needed employment for the local area.
“This new building will allow us to expand and create more jobs.
“Higher employment is a key factor in helping to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities.”
He says that the land is already designated as light industrial, and this will remain the case.
The statement notes the new building will be located in an established community and it represents an effective use of an existing brownfield site.
The proposals involve the demolition of an existing building that is considered a ‘negative building’ within the Whaley Bridge Conservation Area.
It will, Mr James said, be replaced with a modern building that respects and enhances the Conservation Area.
He said: “The new building will be insulated and will benefit from solar power and rainwater harvesting, helping the company move to lower carbon production.”
If approved the proposals will create a new source of employment, within walking distance of Whaley Bridge town centre.
This in turn, Mr James says, will support and enhance an existing market for the town centre economy.
The new building will enable the existing business to expand and use the site for many years to come.
The proposed building has been designed to complement and enhance the existing local character. It will be constructed using stone and slate, in a modern vernacular, helping it to sit harmoniously within the existing built environment, whilst maintaining its character as an industrial building.
Mr James added: “The proposals comply with all the relevant national and local planning policies.
“As such, the application should be approved, without delay, as a sustainable development.”
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