PERMISSION to expand a business centre in Upton Upon Severn has been granted by councillors, allowing it to expand by 50 per cent.

Martin and Mark Wilesmith, who run the Upton Business Centre, have been allowed to build a secure compound extending to approximately 70,000 sq ft with smaller plots available.

The two also own the Link Business Centre in Malvern in addition to the Welland Road site, and are looking for businesses to take on the new space.

Martin Wilesmith said: “We have already received a number of enquiries to take up space on this new extension which is ideal for general industry use.

“Upton Business Centre has excellent motorway links to the M50 and M5 and it is a popular location for expanding businesses.

“There is plenty of open space available and it is a well-maintained site with high levels of security.

“We have the flexibility to respond quickly and can tailor the premises to our client’s requirements.”

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Current tenants at the Upton site include national companies such as Greenthumb Lawn Treatment Services, RSK Raw Ltd which specialises in pollution response and BR Hodgson Ltd which supplies key services to the construction industry.

In the planning application, the design was praised, with the documents saying: “The proposal is modest in scale and commensurate with the existing site.

“The proposed development represents good design and by virtue of its modest scale, position and proposed landscaping, there would be no detrimental visual impact or adverse impact on the landscape character of the area.

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“There would be no adverse impact on the residential amenity of any neighbouring property due to the position of the proposal, its modest height and size and the vast separation distance.

“There are clear economic and social benefits associated with the proposed development that are not outweighed by any adverse impact.

“The proposal represents a sustainable form of development and accords with the adopted development plan when read as a whole.”

There are no working hours limitations at the site.

Upton Business Centre has been used as a site since 1977, originally being a sawmill and evolving to provide accommodation for a variety of local businesses.