Construction of 15 industrial units in Whitby granted approval by borough council

The authority’s planning committee approved the application to build 15 industrial units on the north-western edge of Whitby Business Park.

Originally submitted in 2018 by Mr C Middleton, the plan relates to two fields covering around two hectares (five acres).

Access to the site will be via Botany Way, within the Business Park.

The buildings will come in a range of sizes, the smallest of which will have a floor area of 96sqm.

The largest proposed building will have a floor area of around 3,300sqm and will include space for seven HGVs.

Speaking at the planning meeting on Thursday, November 10, Cllr Jane Mortimer said: “It is essential that Whitby has enough space to expand on this side of things, and this is one of those that provide smaller units for start-ups as well as bigger units that are essential for other people.

“So I’m very pleased to see this happen.”

The submitted plans state that the buildings will be constructed with ‘profiled metal sheeting’ while the lower walls and shallow-pitched roofs will be grey and the upper walls white.

Various conditions were recommended by the Highway Authority and the Local Flood Authority.

One member of the public, Andy Jefferson, also called for better cycle infrastructure during the public consultation.

Council officer Hugh Smith responded to the concerns that had been raised regarding cycling provisions.

He said: “Roads could be adapted to encourage cycling in the area or speed limits could be imposed and reduced to 20mph.”

Mr Smith, added: “I think it’s perfectly reasonable that a condition is put on to agree the details of cycle parking facilities.”

Before approving the plans unanimously, councillors added additional conditions requiring secure cycle storage, compliance with the flood risk assessment, as well as the use of interceptors for drainage of the site.

Cllr Phil Trumper said: “It is much needed, this development.

"I was speaking to a local business that had to relocate to York to find somewhere big enough for them to work and they just managed to get back into Whitby.”