A BID to build a new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) workshop in Wem has been submitted to Shropshire Council.

The plans, which also include a new office space, are for DR & FA Ford Transport Ltd which is based at Unit C9 on the Wem Industrial Estate.

The company, founded in 1990, is an established haulage company operating across the country and is a prominent local employer employing 90 members of staff and supports many north Shropshire businesses.

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According to a planning statement included with the application, the business has bought Unit C9 with the hope of consolidating it into their current base at Units E3, E4 and E6, and more.

The statement added: “The proposal seeks the consent of a combined workshop/office specifically designed for the applicant's lorries and clerical staff.

“Lorry Wash facilities are proposed alongside enclosed maintenance bays, lorry and staff parking.

“The applicant's fleet extends to circa 100 trailers and 65 tractor units.

“Utilisation of the first floor of the building as office and storage will afford efficient use of the space.”

According to the statement, the application is looking for 50 HGV parking spaces, 40 for staff and 12 for customers.

It added: “All traffic visiting the site will access from the south via the internal road network servicing the industrial estate.

“While there is a perimeter road around the industrial estate that runs along the northern boundary, this won’t be used to access the site, except for an emergency event.

“The proposed HGV parking and staff parking have sufficient turning to allow vehicles to enter and exit in a forward gear.

“In addition there is sufficient pedestrian access for staff to safely walk to the office and for drivers/yard workers to access the building to discuss issues with admin staff.”

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It concluded: “This development will support an established business which is a long-standing local employer.

“Located on a dedicated employment site, the development is compliant with local planning policy, therefore, it is respectfully requested that the Local Planning Authority approve this application.”

For more, head to Shropshire Council’s planning portal and search 23/04775/FUL.