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Nov 08, 2023

Automated warehouse plans backed again

Plans for a glass bottle manufacturer to develop a 365,000 sq ft automated warehouse at a site in Cheshire have again been recommended for approval. The application was withdrawn from the previous

Plans for a glass bottle manufacturer to develop a 365,000 sq ft automated warehouse at a site in Cheshire have again been recommended for approval. The application was withdrawn from the previous planning committee of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Encirc, a Vidrala company, is planning to build the facility at its existing base in Elton which is already home to manufacturing, filling, packaging, storage and distribution operations.

The new proposals include the main warehouse building, ancillary offices, a 98,000 sq ft packaging/value-added service area and space for dispatch.

Approximately 300m long and 107m wide in order, the automated warehouse will have a parapet height of 44m which is driven by the operational needs of Encirc to accommodate an additional 200,000 pallet spaces at its facility.

The value-added service area will adjoin the main warehouse and extend 180m in length, 42.8m in width, and will have a stepped height.

According to a report to be scrutinised by Cheshire West and Chester Council, the proposal represents a significant investment in the borough which will contribute to sustaining and enhancing the operation of the Encirc facility and generating additional employment.

The report adds that the design and scale of the proposed development has been driven by the functional requirements of Encirc. In terms of sustainable construction it is predicted that a BREEAM Rating of Excellent will be achieved.

Subject to the conditions recommended by the technical consultees, it is considered that the landscape harm of the development is outweighed by the benefits of the scheme.

Mitigation and compensation will be secured with regard to landscape and ecology and the impacts on residential amenity will also be mitigated.

Approval is recommended, subject to conditions.

The plans have been drawn up by AEW Architects with Lichfields working as planning consultant.

The planning committee meets on 17 August.