Fire-damaged industrial laundry could be rebuilt

The former Paragon Laundry site in Ross-on-Wye was destroyed in a fire in May 2022

Plans have been submitted to replace an industrial unit which was destroyed in a fire two years ago.

More than 50 firefighters tackled a large blaze at an industrial laundry on Overross Industrial Estate, in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, in May 2022.

The applicant, Robert Stevens, wants planning permission to rebuild what was the Paragon Laundry on a like-for-like basis.

The planned new building would “be available to provide employment opportunities and help support Ross-on-Wye’s economy," the application said.

The previous building had stood for 19 years and employed around 120 workers

The previous building, run by national firm Clean Linen Services, stood for 19 years and employed around 120 workers, providing laundry services for hotels and restaurants in the area.

The firm has since relocated to a nearby premises on the estate, and confirmed it was not involved in the redevelopment of its previous site.

Plans for the replacement building include a mezzanine floor, providing a floor space of nearly 2,400 sq m.

Ross-on-Wye town council has backed the new building, but asked that noise from it should be reduced in comparison with its predecessor, and that lighting “should be warm in colour, with minimal overspill”.

Herefordshire Council planners are expected to decide on the application by 17 June.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.