Palethorpes wins approval to build new warehouse in Market Drayton

Palethorpes Bakery has seen its plans to build a new chilled distribution warehouse at its site in Maer Lane given the go ahead by Shropshire Council.

The warehouse will be used to store palletised chilled and frozen food, and for loading to articulated vehicles.

As part of the proposal, the existing waste skip storage area will be relocated.

The move is also expected to result in a reduction in the number of car parking spaces from 333 to 305. It is not yet known how much the new warehouse could cost, or if the scheme will create any new jobs.

At a recent meeting of Market Drayton Town Council's planning committee, councillors welcomed the expansion.

Councillor Roy Aldcroft said: "We should support this application as it supports the sustainability of the factory and provides employment for the town."

Councillor Roger Hughes added: "This is good commitment for the town's factory."

A report by Shropshire Council case officer Sue Collins states: "The proposed development will provide additional facilities to an existing business operating within Market Drayton.

"The scale and design of the building is acceptable in this context of being surrounded by other large commercial buildings.

"There is a concern regarding the impact of noise on residential properties and the drainage proposals, however conditions will be imposed to ensure these matters are appropriately dealt with."

A statement submitted in support of the application states: "It is proposed that the warehouse will measure approximately 35.6 metres by 19 metres and approximately 15.76 metres to ridge.

"The building is to be internally laid out with a chilled dispatch and freezer dispatch areas with internal wall and insulated door separating the two."

Earlier this year the owner of Palethorpes reported a big jump in sales after completing the takeover of another pastry business.

Addo Food Group, which is the parent company of the major Market Drayton employer, achieved turnover of £236.4 million in the year to last March.

That was a major leap from the £158.4m it achieved the year before, on the back of the completion of a takeover deal for the pastry division of Irish food giant Kerry.

Addo, which employs 350 people at the sausage roll and pork pie factory in Market Drayton, also achieved a pre-tax profit of £1.3m, up from £233,000 last time out.

Palethorpes Bakery produces 115 million products every year, including 55 million sausage rolls and 35 million hot eating pies.