A PLAN to centralise and expand the operations of a “successful” and “rapidly growing” Gwynedd civil engineering firm could help boost jobs, a meeting heard.
Cyngor Gwynedd planners unanimously approved a full application to create a depot with offices, workshops and storage buildings at Plot C of the Cibyn Industrial Estate, near Caernarfon.
The development, lodged by GT Williams Engineering Ltd, was approved at the council’s planning meeting on Monday, April 29.
The plans stated that if approved the number of workers could increase from 35 to 45.
GT Williams manager Alwyn Williams told the meeting the scheme could see a rise in employment of 36 percent.
The proposal included a workshop maintenance shed in the western part of the industrial estate which also shares a boundary with a housing estate.
The plans also included details of two storage buildings to be located in the middle of the site.
It was also intended to site six steel containers and provide space in front of the stores for pole storage.
The office buildings would be at the eastern end of the site and the plans would see the installation of solar panels along the southern runway of the building’s roof.
The proposal also included provision for 44 parking spaces (including three disabled parking spaces) and bicycle storage area.
Ten parking spaces would be designated for lorries and eight spaces to store other machines.
Planning officer Gwawr Hughes stated the scheme was considered “acceptable” in terms of policy and it was recommended for approval.
Applicant Mr Williams said the land had been designated for development, and was the “ideal site” for the firm to develop in terms of strategic and logistic advantage.
Amid the firm’s rapid growth, it was an attempt to centralise its depots, whilst also maintaining and increasing the firm’s current workforce, he told the meeting.
He said: “We are trying to centralise our five depots in one place to create employment opportunities for people in the area.
“We anticipate increasing our staff numbers by at least 36 percent by establishing our new business facility.”
He added it was “strongly believed” it would create new jobs and provide business for other firms in the area.
Local member Cllr Gareth Jones welcomed the development saying the firm had a base in Edern, and already had “a good reputation” as a successful company.
He said: “It is growing at an incredible rate and needs the additional space, and as the manager has said this is an ideal location.”
It was unanimously approved with conditions.
(Images: Cyngor Gwynedd Planning Documents)
