Transformation plans for Muller's Shropshrie HQ
One of the main entrances to Market Drayton is set to be transformed under ambitious plans by the town's Muller Dairy.
The dairy giant wants to build a 1,443ft conveyor bridge between its factory off Shrewsbury Road with a new manufacturing, storage and distribution plant in a field off the A53.
The German firm already has planning permission for the 8.5-hectare site.
The bridge will be more than four metres high, seven metres wide and six metres above the A53 – although the company says it will have "limited visual impact".
Company bosses had explored linking the two sites underground, but they say this has proved unviable. Plans for bridge, which have been submitted to Shropshire Council, have received a mixed reaction from residents and councillors in Market Drayton.
Councillor Tim Beckett, mayor of Market Drayton, said: "I have seen the plans and am surprised how far they are going across.
"We can't deny it's going to make a difference.
"It's going to have some impacts when you look at the original landscape. But I don't think it is going to look too out of place.
"I think they have chosen the option which will have the fewer impacts."
Roger Hughes, Shropshire Councillor for Market Drayton West, said: "This is absolutely necessary for their development.
"Why don't we ask them if we can use the bridge to advertise to promote the town?"
Sian Ruston, Market Drayton resident, said: "It will be a shame that it will impact the views of the environment, but the fact that the new facility will create more jobs will be a boost for the town."
It is proposed the new site will be independent and will not be linked with the operations to the existing site other than the delivery of raw milk products.
Graeme Jack, a spokesman for Müller UK & Ireland Group, said: "We have already secured planning permission for a manufacturing and distribution centre on land opposite our site to the north of the A53, ensuring that this remains one of the many options we have as the group continues to grow.
"We felt that it is prudent to also look at the best means to move raw materials and finished product between the existing and proposed sites, and can confirm that we have lodged a planning application for a high level conveyor bridge across the A53."
Documents in support of the application say: "The link will meet an operational requirement.
"While consideration has been given to the form of the proposed link, an underground link has provided unfeasible and an elevated link has proved to be the only viable option.
"The provision of a simple tunnel below the A53 has also been considered and discounted. The proposed bridge link box would generally have a limited visual impact
"The proposed development will cause minimal loss to existing and proposed landscape elements."
People can comment on the plans via the Shropshire Council website.
