Robert Wiseman Dairies wins Shropshire expansion approval

Forty new jobs moved a step closer in north Shropshire today after a major dairy got the go-ahead to expand in a move towards gaining more business.

Robert Wiseman can now begin work to expand their milk transfer facility on the outskirts of Market Drayton.

Shropshire Council planning officials used delegated powers to grant full planning permission for the scheme, subject to conditions.

The company, which supplies milk to major food retailers, wanted to expand its site off Adderley Road in an effort to secure more business.

It already collects milk from more than 400 farms in north Shropshire, north Staffordshire and Cheshire.

That number could grow with the creation of more employment at the site.

The proposed scheme involves constructing a new milk transfer canopy, office, staff amenities building, vehicle hard standing, fencing and lighting.

A report from Shropshire Council said: "It will contribute towards meeting the employment needs of the area, and is of a scale and nature in keeping with the character of the area."

The firm employs 103 people and now council chiefs have given proposals the go-ahead, one part-time and 39 full-time and positions could be created.

A report on behalf of the applicant said: "The company has identified a need to increase the capacity for milk transfer at the site.

"This can be achieved by constructing a new tanker canopy, which will allow the company to procure new contracts with local dairy farmers and to increase production at its Droitwich and Manchester dairies. Forty additional members of staff are anticipated as a result ."