Grocontinental expansion plan divides opinion

Controversial expansion plans which could protect 250 jobs and create 20 new roles at one of Shropshire's biggest employers are being recommended for approval despite more than 60 objections from residents.

Whitchurch-based Grocontinental wants to extend its existing storage and distribution warehouse facility at Whitchurch Business Park.

Bosses say the move will help the firm cope with increasing demand from customers and create 20 new jobs.

But critics, including Whitchurch Town Council, have spoken out raising fears about noise and light pollution plus the environmental and visual impact of the scheme.

Town councillors say the plan would be "overdevelopment".

Company bosses insist the scheme will give a confidence boost to the dairy warehousing sector in the UK which they say has declined in the past decade.

A report to councillors said: "In recent years Grocontinental Ltd has been able to build a good business with the incredible base of suppliers and customers.

"The economic importance of this site is of major significance. The extension is needed to privide additional capacity."

The plans also include a new internal access road on the site and a tree planting scheme to minimise the visual impact of the development from the Whitchurch bypass.

Planning officers are recommending the scheme for approval subject to a number of conditions.

The application is to be considered by the north planning committee at Edinburgh House, Wem, on Tuesday (19) at 2pm.