A SHIPLEY business has been given the green light to “usher in a new era” by carrying out a major refurbishment.
Jack Pennington Ltd on Hird Street, just off Salts Mill Road, is a family run distribution business that has been operating for over 40 years.
This summer, the company submitted a planning application to Bradford Council for work that would make major improvements to its “ageing” and “inefficient” current building.
The application would see a first-floor office extension built to the building, as well as a full refurbishment and improvements to its on site car park.
Those plans have now been approved by Bradford Council.
The application said: “The primary objective of this proposal is to usher in a new era by refurbishing an existing warehouse unit complemented by enclosed office facilities, effectively replacing the aging existing elevations and enhancing the operational efficiency of the businesses that occupy it.
“With a legacy spanning four decades, Jack Pennington Ltd are an independent, family business who have remained a stalwart presence in the realm of distribution, catering to the dynamic needs of the building service industry.
“Jack Pennington Ltd are one of the leading independent distributors of fixings, electrical, mechanical, tooling, site consumables and PPE in the UK.”
The application said the existing building had a number of “inefficiencies” including leaking roofs, and that extra space and “upgrading to sustainable technologies would be a vital part of redesigning the existing facility.”
It said solar panels would be added to the building’s new roof, and EV charging bays fitted in its car park.
Although the building would be on the same footprint, the application said the new second floor would allow for much better staff facilities, as well as office space that will “accommodate more staff and support future growth.”
The company acknowledged that the building is in a sensitive position – next to the listed Victoria Mills buildings and a short distance from the World Heritage Site of Saltaire.
Approving the application, planning officers said: “The use of sustainable technologies will help to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint.
“It is considered that the proposed external changes through the refurbishment of the existing office and warehouse facility and site will not raise visual amenity concerns but will enhance the appearance of the building and site.
“The proposed changes are considered to be proportionate and of a design which is deemed to complement the site and the surrounding area.”
