Furniture manufacturer The Senator Group has secured approval over plans for a new ‘landmark building’ at one of its sites in Lancashire.
According to a planning application submitted to Hyndburn Council earlier this year, Senator plans to add a new complex to its Huncoat Business Park site, off Newhouse Road in Huncoat.
Detailed in the plans, the proposal is to build a new extension to the manufacturing facility providing office space, expansion of the existing canteen area, external terrace space, undercroft car parking and associated external works following the demolition of a two-storey brick-built office facility.
Now, the plans have been given the green light allowing Senator to proceed to the next stage.
A planning officer’s report recommending approval stated: “The proposal includes a new extension providing office space, expansion of the existing canteen area, external terrace, undercroft car parking and associated external works following the demolition of an existing two-storey brick-built office facility and smoking shelters.
“The proposals would result in a net increase in floor space of 1,124 square metres. The site is used for the manufacture, storage, and distribution of furniture.
“The main site comprises a series of large industrial shed-type buildings of varied design, height, and appearance. The application relates specifically to the existing buildings and car park that form the south-east boundary of the wider site adjoining and fronting onto Newhouse Road.
“The car park area is currently set back from the highways by a small narrow verge and contains 51 car parking spaces. The car park contains a glazed smoking shelter structure to the frontage.
“It is proposed to demolish part of the existing building and smoking shelter. The proposed extension would remodel the existing site frontage, adding a forward projecting two-storey extension which would provide a new entrance lobby, upgraded canteen and roof terrace for staff and an open plan office.
“Part of the ground floor would provide under croft car parking, with the overall number of car parking spaces at the site increasing from 51 to 64. The extension would be faced with brown-coloured perforated metal cladding to the ground floor with black metal cladding and glazing to the upper level.
“The existing site frontage with Newhouse Road fails to contribute positively to the visual appearance of the area. The proposed development would result in the removal of some of the older sections of building and their replacement with a modern and contemporary building.
“The proposed development would support the growth of a local business within an established employment area and would result in an improvement to the visual appearance of the building.”
