In a decision that has sparked debate, the Westmorland and Furness Council has granted approval for the expansion of a baby milk manufacturing facility, Kendal Nutricare, despite initial objections from planning officials.
The proposed development includes the construction of a towering industrial building standing at 128 feet (39 meters) high within the Lake District Business Park, located off Mint Bridge Road. This new structure is earmarked to house a crucial component of the manufacturing process, a spray dryer utilized in the production of infant formula.
While the council’s approval comes with a set of conditions, covering aspects such as biodiversity preservation, landscaping, lighting, water management, parking provisions, contamination prevention, and construction protocols, it marks a significant step forward for Kendal Nutricare’s expansion plans.
According to planning documents, the existing limitations posed by the current spray dryer constitute a bottleneck in production. The proposed facility promises to alleviate this constraint, potentially tripling production capacity without the need for additional spatial expansion. This expansion could translate into the creation of approximately 50 new job opportunities over a span of three years, as indicated by the applicant.
Notably, prior to the council’s decision, planning officers had recommended refusal citing concerns over the visual impact on the landscape. The proposed building’s considerable height, in comparison to its surroundings, raised apprehensions regarding its prominence in the north Kendal skyline, potentially causing “significant harm” to the aesthetic integrity of the area.
During deliberations at the South Lakeland local area planning committee, Mark Gourlay, Senior Project Manager at Kendal Nutricare, acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the necessity of the expansion for securing the future viability of the Kendal plant.
Councillor Giles Archibald, the cabinet member for climate and biodiversity, echoed sentiments in favor of supporting the business, labeling it as “crazy not to.” Archibald emphasized the broader benefits of the expansion, highlighting its potential positive impact on job creation, the farming community, and the supply chain of baby formula.
The decision to greenlight the expansion plan reflects a balancing act between economic considerations and environmental concerns, underscoring the complex dynamics involved in urban development and industrial growth within sensitive natural landscapes.
