SNOP UK set to expand operations in Washington after council approval
Sunderland city councillors have given the thumbs up to a major car manufacturing company's expansion plans, paving the way for job creation. During this week's meeting, Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee sanctioned SNOP UK Limited's proposals to enlarge its footprint at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) in Washington.
As a frontrunner at IAMP, automotive heavyweight SNOP transferred to a fresh factory off International Drive at the tail end of 2019. A planning report tabled with council officials describes SNOP as a "benchmark supplier in various fields including the design and manufacturing of body in white, interior and engine compartment parts; design and production of press dies; and design and production of automatic presses".
Last year's (2024) submitted blueprint sought approval for an "erection of an extension to the southern elevation of the existing building to extend the production area, with associated landscaping and engineering operations". The application also hinted that over 30 full-time equivalent jobs could manifest at the facility if the plan received a nod.
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Ahead of the decisive January 27, 2025 gathering, council planning aficionados had advised green-lighting the project, stating it would bolster the overarching ambitions of the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, notably in providing additional employment chances.
In a bid to bolster the Northern Powerhouse, retain skilled labour, leverage the region's prowess in sectors like manufacturing, transport and logistics, and attract inward investment in locations with excellent transport links, council planners have given their nod of approval. They highlighted that both the local highway authority and National Highways had "both reviewed the submitted information and have offered no objections to the proposed extension to the commercial unit".
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The council committee report adds: “The proposal is considered to conform with the NPPF’s (national planning policy framework’s) commitment to support economic growth and support the growth of existing businesses, the proposed development achieves the aims and objectives of the AAP (IAMP area action plan) and CSDP (council local plan) policies.
“The expansion of the SNOP development will also assist IAMP and Sunderland to continue to be one of the best international locations for automotive and advanced manufacturing.”
Plans were presented for decision at a meeting of the council’s Planning and Highways Committee on Monday, January 27, 2025, at City Hall. Council planners said the plans were a “welcome expansion”, noted there had been no objections from neighbouring properties or other consultees during a consultation exercise and said the development’s scale, appearance and layout would be acceptable.
There were no questions or comments from councillors and after being put to the vote, the plans were approved by the Planning and Highways Committee. It was also noted that the council would secure a financial contribution from developers towards “biodiversity net gain monitoring fees” as part of a legal agreement.
A planning statement submitted by applicants last year said the plans would “allow SNOP UK Limited to increase the scale of their advanced manufacturing services” and would “ensure that SNOP UK Limited, the IAMP and Sunderland continue to play a leading role in advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry”.
The planning statement added: “The principle of the proposed development for an extension of an existing manufacturing unit, within an area allocated for automotive and advanced manufacturing uses, is acceptable whilst continuing to help drive forward economic growth within Sunderland and the wider region, including the creation of both temporary and permanent new jobs both during the construction and operational phases, increased economic output and increased business rates.”
For more information on the planning application and council decision, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 24/01521/FUL