Plans lodged for conversion of BAE Systems unit

Proposals have come forward for the conversion of one of BAE Systems’ buildings at Humber Enterprise Park to support the manufacturing giant’s operations in the region.The company, supported by Strutt & Parker, has submitted an application to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for the change of use of the building from offices (Class E(g)(i)) and general industry (Class B2) to offices, administration, R&D, industrial processes (E(g)); general industry (B2); and storage and distribution (B8).The building is currently divided into three parts, measuring about 208,000 sq ft in total, on am 8.1-acre site.The building is currently vacant following the end of manufacturing operations in early-mid 2021.The proposed change of use would allow the business to make continued use of the facility to store components associated with other operations, while retaining the flexibility to revert to other commercial uses, for example manufacturing, R&D, and offices.The change of use would not affect BAE Systems’ other manufacturing and support operations elsewhere on the park.A statement submitted as part of the application said: “At the present time the facility is not required for its previous use but it remains a large well-maintained facility on a secure site that is therefore valuable to the company such that we would seek a productive ongoing use for the building in order for it to remain within the BAE Systems estate portfolio.”The change of use will maintain an economic use for the facility and return employment to the site associated with storage and distribution, cataloguing and maintenance of stored products, building security, maintenance and management.”Should the opportunity arise, this application allows the building, either in full or in part, to be used for any of the uses within the scope of the application.”BAE currently occupy more than 40 per cent of the employment space at the Humber Enterprise Park, and is one of the biggest employers in the region.