A PLANNING application for a major new development at the former British Sugar Factory has been given the thumbs up.

The plan to build four new industrial buildings on the site, off Silverwoods Ways in Kidderminster, was approved by Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee on Tuesday (August 20).

The application site forms part of the old British Sugar Factory, which closed in 2004 and was later demolished. The redeveloped site has been safeguarded for economic development and falls within the south Kidderminster Enterprise Zone.

The zone has been described as a key area for delivering employment and regeneration focus for the district. 

Developers sought consent for the redevelopment of the site with the construction of four light industrial buildings and associated works including landscaping, parking, and amenity areas.

The plan was recommended for approval, with planning officers concluding that the "scale, design, location, and materials of the proposed development are sympathetic to the local setting, which includes other employment users, residential properties and the wider South Kidderminster Enterprise Zone.

They added: "The proposed development would deliver wider benefits to the district in terms of job creation and to the local economy, and the development would strengthen the enterprise zone in accordance with the Wyre Forest District Local Plan".

During the latest planning meeting, committee members voted to approve the application.

Also at the Wyre Forest District Council planning committee meeting, councillors approved an application for single-storey rear and side extensions following the demolition of a conservatory at Coldridge Farm, Shatterford, the demolition of single storey side extensions and its replacement with 1.5 storey side extension at Hamray House, Clent, and a two storey side extension at a property on Greenhill Avenue, Kidderminster.