Decision time on new AstraZeneca proposal

PLANS that will boost Macclesfield’s economy and jobs market are set to go before planners this week.

A Cheshire East Council planning committee will decide whether to approve AstraZeneca’s proposals to create a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility on Wednesday, December 4.

The application, for the site in Hurdsfield, would be 8,890sq m and employ 72 people.

It is unclear how many roles would be new jobs and how many would be ‘secured’ existing ones but documents submitted with the plans say there will be some of each.

The decision meeting takes place at Macclesfield Town Hall at 10am.

Should the go-ahead be given the firm says its new facility would meet regulatory requirements and supply the worldwide market for the next 20 years.

It would see building 52 at the site redeveloped.

A report by consultants BakerHicks, submitted with the application, says: “The construction of building 52 will ensure AstraZeneca maintain their position as a leading global biopharmaceutical business and marks a long-term commitment to continued manufacturing at the Macclesfield campus.

“In short, the proposed development will have a positive effect on economic growth in the area.”

However, AstraZeneca has asked for planning permission to be given for five years rather than the normal three.

This is to give more time to allow ‘the current political environment to become stable’ and more investment friendly.

Also ruled on at the meeting will be controversial plans by Engine of the North to build 10 new homes in the green belt in Gawsworth.

Further planning applications that will be heard include the conversion of a window manufacturers on Snape Road, Macclesfield, into a motorbike business and the erection of two semi-detached houses at Tytherington Drive, Macclesfield.