Backing for new warehouse in Market Drayton
A major employer has received backing from a town council for its plans to create a new warehouse at its site.
Palethorpes Bakery has submitted plans to Shropshire Council to build a new chilled distribution warehouse at its site in Maer Lane, Market Drayton.
At a meeting of Market Drayton Town Council planning committee on Thursday, 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."
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.
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.
Catherine Walker, an Addo Food Group spokeswoman, said: “As part of the ongoing development of our business we have recently submitted plans to add to our Palethorpes bakery site. We are still in the early stages of planning and will share more information as soon as it is available.”
Shropshire Council hopes to make a final decision on the scheme by June 27.
People can comment on the plans as part of consultation into the proposed development by visiting the council website.
Palethorpes Bakery produces 115 million products every year, including 55 million sausage rolls and 35 million hot eating pies.
Also at the meeting councillors voted to support plans to create a new restaurant in Market Drayton.
Great Yorkshire Catering Ltd has submitted plans to create an "English restaurant" at 36 Cheshire Street.
