Tunnock’s plans to expand after boom in snack demand angers neighbours
BISCUIT giants Tunnock’s has unveiled plans for a multi-million pound extension to its factory amid a worldwide sales boom for its snacks.
The company, now headed by Boyd Tunnock, plans to add a new wing to its plant in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, adding a further 30 jobs to the current 532-strong payroll.
The new three-storey extension will house production equipment and help boost the numbers of the famous treats such as caramel wafers, snowballs and teacakes.
But some locals are furious at the plans which they claim will cause traffic problems and spark clashes with Tunnock’s staff.
Letters of objection to the plans have been sent to planners by some residents whose properties border the site.
Leanne Arneil claimed she had already clashed with Tunnock’s staff over parking and noise.
She said: “I have already complained to the factory and the council about how their workers park on my street day in, day out, with absolutely no regard to residents.
“I have had altercations with many of them for their blatant disregard and disrespect for habitants of the street.
“To extend the factory will have a devastating effect on this alone, not to mention the loss of light, loss of privacy and road safety issues that I and others are dealing with.
“I already have a view of a steel fence, chimneys and an unsightly wall from Tunnock’s without them raising their platform and completely blocking out sunlight from my property.”
She added: “To expand this is simply ludicrous and detrimental to the neighbourhood.”
Kirstie McKillop said: “We struggle to park already because of the factory and the noise can be annoying as well. I feel allowing the extension to go ahead will make parking even worse.”
Plans have been submitted to South Lanarkshire Council revealing details of the extension with councillors due to make a decision in due course.
Tunnock’s said: “The current proposal is to extend Tunnock’s existing bakery in central Uddingston to the rear, to create 1,900 m² of additional space over two floors to accommodate new production equipment and increased production of existing product ranges.
“This proposal will futureproof the present factory to accommodate increased worldwide demand.
“The effect of the proposed extension is to allow new and improved equipment to be installed.”
Tunnock’s was established in 1890 and has been at the current site for more than 50 years.