A FLAGSHIP Blackburn company has been given planning permission to build a new warehouse.

The scheme is part of a £1million expansion plan by H&T Presspart.

The firm, a major supplier of precision metal components for the international pharmaceutical industry, can now go head with its plans to add two buildings to its factory in Philips Road on the Whitebirk Industrial Estate.

It proposes to start work on its new entrance, offices and improved welfare facilities for its 200 staff later this year after a delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The project was granted planning approval last year.

Now another application to Blackburn with Darwen Council for a warehouse built around the neighbouring former Tuftex premises it bought in April has been approved.

It will expand the firm's capacity by half.

The total investment by its German owners is expected to be in excess of £1million.

A report by planning officer Nick Blackledge supporting the approval said: "As an in-fill extension to an existing industrial building, the proposal is acceptable in land use terms.

"As a pre-existing industrial use with no alterations proposed to current access / egress arrangements no additional parking needs generated and no highway issues arise from the proposal.

"Policy 11 requires a good standard of design which will be expected to enhance and reinforce the established character of the locality and demonstrate an understanding of the wider context towards making a positive contribution to the local area.

"The proposed roof profile and materials are consistent with the existing, ensuring an appropriately integrated alteration.

"Proposed cladding will both enhance the appearance of the building and match with Presspart's adjacent accommodation to the east.

"Accordingly, the proposal is found to comply with the requirements of the borough development plan.

H&T Presspart was founded in 1970. In 2002 it was taken over by the Heitkamp and Thumann Group and now has factories in Germany and Spain.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s growth boss, said previously: “This is good news from a major employer in the borough.

“Industrially the local economy is powering on. This investment is a sign of that.”