Plans to create a new parcel distribution centre and create more jobs have been revealed.
The exchange hub, at Kingmoor Park in Carlisle, would allow delivery firm DPD to expand and employ more people.
Kingmoor Park Properties has asked Cumberland Council for permission to demolish existing buildings and build on agricultural land on the 102,194sq m site to the south west of the business park.
The hub would include a service yard, HGV parking, ancillary office space, ancillary car parking, associated infrastructure, engineering and landscaping.
The planning application said the land has been earmarked for employment use within the Carlisle Local Plan and is within the Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone.
It added: “Since the site was bought in 1999, Kingmoor Park Properties has invested millions of pounds into transforming the site into a vibrant, economic hub of activity and opportunity.”
The business park is home to a number of large local employers.
The report said: “Kingmoor Park Properties is committed to the creation of new and varied employment opportunities by delivering a high-quality employment development in a highly sustainable location together with a range of other added benefits will be supported by key stakeholders.”
According to the report the hub is intended to complement the DPD distribution centre which is currently under construction on the neighbouring plot.
It said: “The hub facility will allow DPD greater connectivity across the north of England and into Scotland strengthening the economic viability of the development.
“The development site is a greenfield site and the scheme will echo the existing building class uses within the surrounding context.
“The submitted scheme is of a high quality designed to offer modern facilities for a variety of occupiers.
“The proposed exchange hub facility will function well in this location and its location is well placed for access by road and other means of transport.
“It is envisaged that the scheme will be constructed to exceed current industry standards, be considered as an exemplar to further development of the site’s wider masterplan.”
It is considered that the submitted plans set a high standard of layout which is sympathetic to the character and amenity of surrounding land uses in terms of scale, size, density and height according to the report.
The report said: “The constraints on site have been carefully considered, thus the current layout and masterplan have been deemed the most appropriate solution to unlocking the development potential of the site.
“The layout in this application makes an efficient use of the site area, without creating an overly dense layout, and allows for safe manoeuvrability within the site for both vehicles and pedestrians, as demonstrated within the transport statement.”
Dedicated staff and visitor parking has space for a total of 40 vehicles including two dedicated disabled spaces, with the provision for electrical vehicle charging points for four electric vehicles together with a minimum four secure covered cycle and two motorcycle parking spaces at the site.
The report added that the new development would result in a positive environmental benefit and the proposals can be delivered without having an adverse effect on the landscape or surrounding environment or ecological interests.
