OWNERS of a big industrial estate on the outskirts of Bridgnorth are looking into its future options because of the rising number of empty buildings.
District councillors will hear on Monday that some of the Stanmore Industrial Estate buildings – one of Bridgnorth’s biggest employment centres – might be demolished or used for ‘non-employment’ purposes. One of the proposals from Hickman Stanmore Ltd involves a gymnasium, creche and children’s play barn in the centre of the estate.
Planning officer Heather Bradley is recommending approval for the facilities at the end of a large row of units at building five, providing their is no objection from the county council’s highways department. Hickman’s agents have told the council that 20 of the estate’s units are currently vacant.
They add that Hickman’s have marketed the units over previous years, but there has been no significant interest to take them on for industrial use.
‘The level of vacancies has financial implications on the operation and management of the estate, which has been exacerbated by the recent introduction of the need to pay rates on vacant industrial buildings,’ they have told the council.
‘The owners have had to begin looking at options for the future of the estate, including demolition of some of the existing vacant buildings or re-use of some units for non-employment uses,’ add the agents.
Miss Bradley reports that it is considered the gym/play barn/creche use would be used by estate staff and also provide a facility for nearby residents at The Hobbins and Russell Close. She adds that may also act as an incentive to help attract other businesses to Stanmore.
‘It is considered on balance that the proposed change of use would not have an adverse effect on the viability and vitality of the industrial estate,’ she states.
The proposed complex would be divided into three spaces and there would be toilets, a kitchen/rest room and changing facilities provided. There would be parking for about 17 vehicles and two bus services within easy reach of the site.
