A CHEESE company plans to expand its business with proposals for a new factory expected to bring 75 to 100 jobs.

Tom Walker & Sons has asked for planning permission to expand its facilities at Thorpe Leazes Farm. It wants to build a two-storey factory with 66 parking spaces and demolish four buildings at Thorpe Leazes Lane, Thorpe Thewles.

The firm plans to take out temporary structures and add 42 parking bays and an HGV turning circle to the site. It is proposed to grow to a potential 24-hour operation preparing cheeses, confectionery, novelty packs and hampers.

Agent Origin Planning Services says in a statement: “Tom Walker & Sons has now been acquired by HMS (485) Limited in 2020 who are now looking to build and expand upon the existing successful business at this premise.

“The plan is to increase the permanent workforce as the volume through the factory increases. To support the expansion of this business it is proposed that an additional 75 to 100 employees would be required.

“The proposed expansion of this business will provide social benefits in the form of employment opportunities for the local community both full-time, part-time and seasonal roles. The proposed development will include significant levels of job creation with up to 200 new employees required to support the business over the Christmas periods.

“The proposed expansion of this business would support the sustainable growth of this rural based business and any future expansion would ensure that any new proposed buildings were well related to the existing facility and would respect the character of the countryside… Any potential impact can be suitably mitigated, ensuring that the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact on ecology as a result of development.”

The scheme includes removing five trees, nine complete groups of trees and sections from seven other groups. The developer says the impact from these losses would be “low to moderate” and balanced by tree planting, and another tree and woodland would be kept and protected during construction.

Newcastle architects Pod say in a design document: “The proposed buildings will be inserted as sensitively as is practically possible for the development, causing minimal disturbance to the adjacent woodland and existing flora on site. Aluminium cladding will wrap a steel-framed building to provide a sensitive and appropriate factory. Solar panels will also be installed on the roof to power the building’s electrical uses.”

Grindon and Thorpe Thewles Parish Council responded to the plans saying: “The parish council wish to support the application as they feel this will be a positive development to this business and to employment prospects in the local area.”