A huge multi-million pound redevelopment is being planned by Glanbia Cheese of its factory base in Magheralin, Armagh I can reveal.
A pre-planning application for the development – indicating that the proposals fall within the ‘major’ category of works – had been submitted.
And now, after a public consultation event next month, a full application seeking approval would be expected to follow. It would take on any views and opinions or concerns expressed during the pre-application exercise.
Little is known at this stage of the company’s full intentions.
But it is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with the new development stretching up to 65,000 sq ft.
Glanbia Cheese has its headquarters in Cheshire, but boasts two state-of-the-art mozzarella manufacturing facilities.
One of these can be found in North Wales and the other here in Northern Ireland, at Steps Road, Magheralin, to be precise.
A joint venture between Glanbia plc and Leprino Foods Company, Glanbia Cheese Ltd boasts of being the leading mozzarella manufacturer in Europe, providing custom cheese-making solutions to companies in over 30 countries around the world.
A company that has continued to report growing profits, its Magheralin base looks set to be transformed.
In order to do this, the development would centre on existing lands and adjacent lands to the south – “14 metres east of numbers 16-19 Forge Manor, Magheralin”.
The pre-application points to the “redevelopment of existing cheese factory”, with works to include “partial demolition, alterations and erection of extensions, weighbridge, pipebridges, tanks and plant, associated access and parking arrangements”.
There would also be landscaping and ancillary site works for the site to remain as an existing cheese factory “primarily under Use Class B3”.
Meanwhile, “temporary works” would be carried out on an area to the south of the site to be “restored to agricultural land on completion of the development”.
A community consultation event – with display boards and information leaflets – will highlight in more detail what is being proposed. It will be hosted in Magheralin Parish Church early next month.
And neighbours living within 50 metres of the site will be informed by letter, due to be posted out next week. Local councillors will also be made aware of the long-term plans in writing.
A consultation phone line and email is also intended to take feedback before the submission of a full application.
