Manufacturer’s lab facility plans get the green light

Plans for a new microbiological laboratory to support the expansion of a historic Sheffield-based surgical equipment manufacturer have been given the go-ahead.Swann-Morton submitted an application to Sheffield City Council earlier this year for development at Woodland Works in Hillsborough.Swann-Morton, founded in Sheffield in 1932, manufactures surgical blades, scalpels and handles.The company’s microbiological division carries out product testing and development for both Swann-Morton and external customers. The laboratory work primarily relates to microbiological and bacterial effects on surgical and sterile products such as blades and cutting equipment.The unit is currently located at the company’s Penn Works site in Hillsborough and employs 12 staff. Further space and investment is now required to enable the growth of this area of the business.The plans cover the redevelopment of a vacant light industrial building, known as Woodland Works 2.The new laboratory building will have a total gross internal floor area of about 7,000 sq ft over three floors, including two laboratory floors and a second floor plant room. When complete and fully staffed it is set to house 25 staff, with 19 general laboratory and six office-based staff.A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: “The new laboratory project provides Swann Morton with excellent growth potential for the microbiological operations, resulting in further employment opportunities.”Re-using this site and adding the first floor area with double height space, will provide Swann Morton with a great new laboratory space to extend their services and customers. It will revitalise a brown field site in a fringe industrial/commercial area.”The council has now granted planning permission for the development, subject to conditions, under delegated powers.The report said: “Overall, it is considered that the proposal represents a well thought out design that would sit comfortably within the context of the site and surrounding area.”Woodland Works 1 is currently in use by Swann-Morton as a manufacturing facility.