Expansion plan for 100 jobs at former nuclear site

The proposal would double the size of the site and create 100 new jobs

One hundred new jobs could be created at a former nuclear site in Dorset.

Manufacturing firm Norco is seeking permission to double the size of its operation at Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith.

The company, which has its head office in Poole, said in its planning application that the expansion would create 40 new jobs in the short term and 60 in the medium to long term.

Dorset Council's economic growth councillor Richard Biggs said the authority had set a target of 300 new jobs at the site in the next four years.

About 30 people are already employed at the Winfrith site, according to Dorset Council documents when it agreed the sale of the extra land to the company earlier this year.

Mr Biggs, who is also deputy leader of the council, said: "Our new Economic Growth Strategy has a target for 300 new jobs at the Dorset Innovation Park by 2029, so we welcome planning applications from businesses already on the site who are looking to expand."

The planning proposal is for a new store and an extension totalling 5,800 sq m (1.4 acres) and creating an additional 256 parking spaces.

Norco describes itself as "a leading manufacturer of lightweight composite structures and glass reinforced plastic mouldings" operating from six sites with more than 170 staff.

The company website lists Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, Siemens, Airbus, Sunseeker, the RNLI and Princess boats as clients.

People have until 20 August to comment on the application.