Harper Adams in £3m expansion plan

A Shropshire university college has unveiled plans for a new £3 million agricultural teaching space which it says will become an "iconic" building and boost the economy.

Bosses at Harper Adams University College want to provide a specialist teaching area for precision farming and tractor research, plus new hydraulics and electronics laboratories on fields beside its existing campus in Edgmond, near Newport.

The new 1,441 square metre extension would also include staff offices, a meeting room and a 55-space car park.

Dr David Llewellyn, college principal, said: "The proposed development, for which we are currently seeking funding, will ensure we are able to continue to offer our students the opportunity to study in modern facilities with the latest technology in preparation for their future careers."

Harper Adams hopes to start building this year, provided it can get planning permission from Telford & Wrekin Council and secure funding. The university said the expansion was vital for it to grow and meet demand for its courses.

It said in its application to the council: "Development of the campus would offer an opportunity to support diversification of the economy and generate employment opportunities.

"The building will enable development and growth. . . with consequential benefits to the local and wider rural economy and community."