Oswestry business to double in size after planning permission granted

Aico Ltd, which specialises in smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors, had applied to put up a three-storey building off Maesbury Road in Oswestry.

The building will include office space, a training centre, an auditorium, as well as warehouse and packing facilities, along with parking for more than 80 vehicles.

It will also see the number of employees double to 70 full-time staff.

Aico Ltd already has premises on the nearby Mile End Business Park and has been based in the town for the last 25 years.

Shropshire Council planning officer Philip Mullineux said: “The business has reached maximum usage of their existing premises and are seeking planning approval for new UK headquarters that will allow the company to expand in the short, medium and long-term future.”

“During the application processing period amended elevations and floor plans were received requesting changes to the internal layout which are considered acceptable as they do not significantly change the development from that as originally proposed."

Oswestry Rural Parish Council had welcomed the proposal, although they did note that the adjacent Weston Road is a “well-used commuter route” and requested a pavement be included as part of the application.

They added: “This development will offer an opportunity to improve the infrastructure of this route that will improve safety for all users, and encourage the use of alternative modes of transport that potentially would be beneficial to the business and its workforce.”

At the time of submission, Aico Ltd said the site would “ensure the continued success of this dynamic and progressive company within the local area and facilitate the creation of much needed additional employment opportunities.”

The site had previously been identified for a garden centre which was approved by appeal in July 2017 but was never developed.

By Emily Lloyd, Local Democracy Reporter