Jobs hope as firm relocating to Market Drayton

L. Gilbert Holdings Limited, which specialises in the construction and delivery of components for steel framed buildings, is hoping to move to land off Western Way.

It will see five warehouses being built and almost 50 jobs being re-located.

The firm, which is currently based in Middlewich, Cheshire, said once it is settled it would hope to expand further and create more jobs.

Lee Gilbert, managing director, said: "Presently our production facilities are based in the North West of England from where we deliver steel framed buildings anywhere in the United Kingdom.

"Growing from strength to strength, we have now outgrown our current premises and require a much larger, purpose built facility to continue to service the requirements of our customers.

"This site is perfect for us to create this, we believe it will allow the company to continue to grow which will also benefit the local community by creating new jobs in the area."

The proposed development would comprise of a two storey office building in the western portion of the site near to the access, with 67 staff and visitor car parking spaces.

There would also be five warehouse buildings located in the centre of the site.

The applicant would be seeking to operate at these new premises normally between 7am to 8pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and when necessary on Sunday mornings.

A planning document states: "The applicant currently employs 30 full time staff at their existing premises as well as 14 sub-contractors.

"Should planning permission be granted for them to relocate to this Market Drayton site, it is the applicant's intention to continue to steadily increase the number of people employed at their business, thus providing employment opportunities for the local community.

"As part of the relocation, it is expected that not all of the existing staff would choose to move over, therefore there will be an opportunity for new staff to be employed in the local area.

"The proposal seeks to enable the applicant to relocate from their existing premises to expand their existing operations which involve the production of components required in the construction of agricultural and commercial buildings.

"Prior to submitting this planning application, pre-application discussions were undertaken with Shropshire Council and the scheme was presented to Adderley Parish Council, both of whom supported the scheme in principle."

The plans will now be considered by Shropshire Council's planning department.