Job-creating vertical farming facility plans lodged

Plans have been lodged for a vertical farming facility at an East Yorkshire business park that could support the creation of hundreds of jobs.Key Growing Ltd, supported by Geoffrey Prince Associates, has submitted an application to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for an extension to Woodmansey Business Park.Planning permission is sought for a vertical farm complex (VFC) for growing micro salads, herbs, soft fruits, bulbs and flowers, together with free standing office buildings and starter units, all served by the existing on-site anaerobic digestion plant.The proposed VFC would have a footprint of 84,000 sq ft, and a total gross international area of 97400 sq ft.Four two-storey office buildings would provide a total of 41,500 sq ft, with eight single-storey starter units measuring a total of 31,000 sq ft would be created.The plans also include an energy management and distribution building, a water attenuation pond incorporating a wildlife and nature park, internal circulation road, car and lorry parking, and landscaping.The proposed development would extend Woodmansey Business Park, which is owned by Key Growing, by 40 per cent to 62 acres, and increase the numbers employed at the park from about 450 to 730.A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: “The scheme resonates well with national goal of increasing food production in a sustainable way and contributing to food security.”Detailed negotiations are ongoing with an operator for the VFC and also funding partners. There is strong interest and commitments from onsite businesses to take up space in the commercial units as part of their expansion plans and their desire to remain on the Woodmansey Business Park, which is accessible by public transport and cycling to employees living in the Hull and Beverley areas.”In total, the scheme will generate some 280 long-term jobs, and make a significant contribution to the transformation of the East Riding economy.”Woodmansey Business Park was formerly a complex of glasshouses for growing salads, together with sheds for storage and packing (known as Petunia Nurseries) established during the 1950s.Following a decline in the UK horticultural industry, the glasshouses and infrastructure were rented out for the growing of bedding plants, and the facility was diversified to cater to commercial and industrial sectors. It now includes storage and packaging facilities, office space, a garden centre and an adventure play park.The application site is currently used for grazing, and outdoor recreation uses linked to the leisure facility.