BAE Systems has lodged proposals to demolish a former gas and fuel storage facility to provide space to enable the company to expand its operations in the future.
The firm has submitted a planning application for the demolition and removal of existing infrastructure on the former Spirit Energy site on Barrow Island.
BAE Systems does not yet have any proposals for the future use of the site.
The firm said: “BAE Systems was presented with an opportunity to purchase the site and did so to provide space to expand its operations at Barrow in the future, but no specific use or development has been identified at this stage and there are currently no identified timescales for when a future development may come forward.”
Proposals from BAE involve the demolition and removal of existing buildings on the site to create a level platform at 8.5 metres.
It will involve the excavation of approximately 150,000 cubic metres of material, of which around 41,000 cubic metres will be used to create the level platform.
Around 62,000 cubic metres will be stockpiled on the site to allow it to be used in any future development while the remainder will be removed from the site and disposed of at an appropriate facility.
It said the removal will involve around 35 movements from HGVs a day for approximately a year, with work planned to start in spring next year.
Westmorland and Furness Council previously determined an environmental impact assessment was not required for the demolition and removal of existing infrastructure on the former Spirit Energy site.
A decision notice issued by the council said while the proposed development would raise important planning considerations, they were not considered so significant to warrant an EIA.
According to the decision notice relevant planning issues including heritage, landscape and visual impact, among others, will be addressed through the planning application.
It added: “The work could also deliver environmental benefits in terms of improved drainage, pollution control and providing a clean site for future development, green infrastructure and biodiversity net gain.”
The planning application is currently undergoing public consultation.
