A Co Armagh haulage company’s plans for a new depot – costing in the region of £4 million – are to be recommended to be given the go-ahead.
Derry Refrigerated Transport Ltd’s new development is also expected to bring a significant jobs boost to Portadown.
The company is presently based at Vicarage Road in the town.
But in April is submitted a planning application for a substantial new base on a vacant site at Charlestown Road.
The company – which was founded in 1999 – would relocate to a site that would consist of a transport and haulage depot comprising a new office, storage and warehousing and workshop buildings.
There would also be HGV trailer parking, an access road, car parking, landscaping and all associated site works.
The application has been under consideration by officials at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and there has been much correspondence in the intervening period.
A transport impact survey has also been lodged to allow this also to be taken into consideration.
And a design and access statement accompanying the proposals has revealed how the company has evolved and how it hopes to continue to do so through this substantial investment.
It insists it is necessary for the new facility to accommodate its “specialist distribution and storage requirements”.
The statement speaks of the economic benefits to the town of Portadown and beyond as it adds: “At present the company employs approximately 150 staff and the investment and development of the haulage depot will lead to further expected job creation, both within the company itself and during the construction phase.”
After a period of substantial growth, Derry Refrigerated Transport is looking to grow the business further.
The company transports frozen and chilled foods with Moy Park and Avondale Foods among those whose produce it delivers.
Only one letter of objection to the proposals, from a neighbouring domestic property, has been submitted and the potential noise from refrigerated lorries at night is cited among the reasons for writing.
Despite this, officials are poised to recommend that the development be allowed to proceed.
That is the professional opinion which will go to the council’s planning committee when it meets next Wednesday.
It will, however, ultimately be up to the councillors to decide whether or not to accept or reject that recommendation.
