Melba Swintex applies for 47,000 sq ft Rossendale warehouse
The supplier of traffic management products wants to construct a nearby satellite warehouse on a 10-acre site to serve its existing factory in Stubbins.
An application submitted by agent Roman Summer Associates on behalf of Melba Products would see a site larger than 10 acres transformed into a storage and distribution building.
Plans propose a 47,000 sq ft building, a service yard, as well as car and HGV space with access provided by a widened Blackburn Road.
The site is on the former Mayfield Chicks site in Ewood Bridge. The River Irwell runs adjacent to the site and the development of a riverside footpath is also part of the application.
Melba Swintex’s purchasing director, Shaun Todd, said: “These are very exciting times for Melba Swintex. Business is booming, with scope to grow and create more jobs, but our current headquarters at Stubbins is jam-packed and at full capacity, with limited scope to expand.
“We have looked long and hard for a suitable satellite site and are delighted to have purchased this land at Ewood Bridge.
He added: “Not only is it the perfect size, but it is suitably close to Stubbins, meaning that it will work logistically and efficiently to grow and expand the business.
“We hope that the development will provide a positive and powerful boost to the “Invest in Rossendale” brand, which we are very proud to be part of.”
Bury-based RGP Architects will be charged with the design process. Andrew Mitchell, a director at RGP, described his approach to the project.
“The building’s external appearance inevitably reflects its warehouse use, but is to be clad in neutral-toned, insulated metal panels, with a green camouflage effect to help break up its massing,” he said.
“This is intended to create the impression of two smaller buildings on either side, allowing its central section to blend into the background, in turn reducing its visual impact.
“To further integrate the building with the historical context of the area, we have employed a natural stone base to not only respect local heritage but also to anchor the modern structure within its setting.”
Melba Swintex expects the application to be determined by Rossendale Council by spring 2025.
It is hoped that construction will begin by the summer of the same year, with completion due in early 2026.
Melba Swintex’s owner and managing director, Gregg Dawson, said: “We are raring to go. We obviously need to await the outcome of the planning process and hope that it will go smoothly. But if we obtain planning permission, we will not be resting on our laurels.
“We are already holding conversations with contractors and have the funds in place to deliver this quickly. I very much hope that this development will be seen in a positive light and a symbol of Rossendale’s economic buoyancy and potential.”
He continued: As a company, we’re committed to ensuring that as many jobs as possible are for local people and we will be working with Rossendale Council and partners to target future opportunities for the local labour market.”
The project team includes Focus Transport, Enzygo, AVAL Consulting Group, Betts Hydro, SWF Consulting, Parker Wilson, and Earth Environmental.
To view the application, use the reference 2024/0404 in Rossendale Council’s planning portal.
