Submarine research building plan approved

Plans for a new BAE Systems research facility have been approved

Plans which would "support and safeguard" the future of the UK's submarine production have been given the go-ahead.

Members of the strategic planning committee for Westmorland and Furness Council approved plans for a research and development facility, known as Project Spartan, on the wider BAE Systems complex in Barrow.

Planning documents said the project would consolidate about 750 BAE employees working across Barrow into the new building.

David Nicholl, project manager for Project Spartan, said staff were currently working in "aged" facilities and the new one would "improve the efficiency and capability of BAE staff and operations".

Mr Nicholl told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the development was the final part of the UK's Dreadnought programme, which involved the creation of technologically advanced submarines.

"Delivering Dreadnought on time is vital to maintaining the UK's constant at-sea deterrent and is therefore of critical national importance," he added.

The facility would accommodate up to 750 employees

The proposed 72ft (22m) high building would be built on the site of a former industrial storage building and be broadly arranged in a "H shape".

It would consist primarily of engineering floorspace, research and development areas, crew accommodation, an atrium, collaboration space and a café.

A report prepared by planning officers said the proposal was considered to have social, environmental and economic benefits for the town and surrounding area.

Vicky Hughes, councillor for Burton and Holme, told the committee the plans were a "no brainer".

Frank Cassidy, for Walney Island, said: "We're Barrow councillors, we support the shipyard and its workforce; this facility will advance the Dreadnought submarine construction programme in Barrow."

BAE Systems' former buildings will be upgraded and repurposed

However, the report raised concerns that "negative aspects" could arise from the construction process, particularly in relation to the strain on the local highway network.

Mr Nicholl said moving to the new facility would allow the older facilities spread across the town to be "renovated, upgraded and eventually repurposed for other operations".

He said Project Spartan was an "important facility" which would "support and safeguard the future of the UK’s submarine production".