People are being urged to ‘have their say’ on a development framework which outlines how the long-term future of the Bentley factory in Crewe could look.
Drawn up by Bentley Motors in consultation with Cheshire East Council, the framework provides a platform to deliver a modern, advanced manufacturing operation in the future which will be more efficient, secure and productive.
The ambition is to create a campus-style site which could potentially grow and expand in line with the company’s ambitions.
Now we want your views! A public consultation on the development framework begins today and runs online until 5pm on February 14.
As part of this consultation, Bentley Motors will host two drop-in events at its Legends facility, on Sunnybank Road, Crewe CW2 8WD, on:
● Thursday, January 12, from 3pm to 8pm;
● Saturday, January 14, from 10am to 2pm.
Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Bentley Motors is of tremendous importance to the local, regional and national economies and so we would really welcome the views of residents and businesses on the proposed future Bentley masterplan.
“More than 4,000 people are employed directly by the company, which provides many apprenticeship opportunities locally. It is also Crewe’s largest single employer, accounting for more than £1billion of UK exports each year – so it is important we get this document right.
“It is important that residents are consulted and I would urge people to get involved and take a little time to fill in the consultation documents online.”
The campus would locate manufacturing, design, research and development, engineering operations and boosted security in a single integrated site with ‘seamless connectivity’ to enable ‘the efficient flow of people, goods and services’.
Managed by the council’s arms-length Skills and Growth Company, the framework aims to set out the key design, development and planning policy considerations which will be used in the determination of potential future planning applications relating to the site.
Bentley Motors’ aspirations for its expanded site would require the closure of parts of Pyms Lane and Sunnybank Road to the public. However, no decision has been taken on these proposals, which will form part of the consultation. Any future change to road access would require submission of a planning application and be subject to the normal planning consent process.
The council’s household waste recycling centre at Pyms Lane is also within the long-term ambition for the campus. There are no plans to close this centre and any future change to the facility would have to be consistent with the household waste and recycling requirements of Crewe and would require a future approval.
Most of the land identified within the campus ‘vision’ is owned by the council and any change would be subject to detailed future negotiations.
Once the public consultation ends (February 14), the development framework will be reviewed and potentially amended. This document will then go before cabinet in the spring for a decision on whether or not to endorse it.
To take part in the consultation – and view the draft development framework document and FAQs – visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bentleymasterplan
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