Market Drayton sawmill move hailed a boost for economy

Hales Sawmills was granted permission to develop on the Adderley Road Industrial Estate in Market Drayton, despite objections from several quarters. Councillors said the plan was good news for the town.

Norton-in-Hales and Adderley parish councils had objected to the scheme after raising concerns about the impact it would have on people living nearby.

The unitary authority also received letters of objection from residents, the Shropshire Union Canal Society and the Shrewsbury & North Wales Branch of the Inland Waterways Association.

Sawmill company bosses said their current site was no longer large enough for the business and is restricting its growth and development.

The plans were approved by Shropshire Council's north planning committee in Wem.

Members praised the scheme for creating new jobs.

It also includes the creation of a saw mill, treatment building, shop and offices, a workshop, store and a drying kiln.

Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, said: "One of the top priorities for Shropshire Council is economic growth and prosperity, and to have strong market towns.

"This investment in Market Drayton will provide a major boost to the town and to the local economy and is helping to complement the £425,000 investment we are making through our Market Town Revitalisation Programme."

David Minnery, a Shropshire councillor for Market Drayton West, said: "I am delighted to see that we have again been able to support local businesses as they grow, as this will increase employment opportunities in the town."

Roger Hughes, also a Shropshire councillor for Market Drayton West, added: "This is especially good news, being a major step in the growth of a long-established local family business."

Shropshire Council said over the past year it has been working closely with the company.

This has included providing pre-application planning support and ensuring that the application was 'fast tracked' through the planning process.