Plans approved for Swift expansion in Hull and residential development of brownfield site

Plans approved for Swift expansion in Hull and residential development of brownfield site

18 February 2008

East Riding Council has approved plans for an extension to the Swift Caravans manufacturing facility in Cottingham, East Yorkshire and the creation of a new roundabout access to the site on the Beverley Bypass (A1709).

The decision follows extensive work in preventing future flooding by improving the drainage of the area which was badly hit in last year’s record floods. The planning application had already been the subject of detailed ground investigation works as it is located to the acquifer which supplies drinking water to homes throughout the Hulll area.

As part of the same application, approval was also given for a residential development on an industrial site vacated by Swift more than a year ago. Persimmon Homes are now set to transform the site into a leafy housing suburb, with natural water features throughout, and public space for use by the whole community.

The additional space created at Swift will be used to store completed caravans and motor homes before they are distributed all over the UK and Europe.  Vehicles and certain aspects of production currently operate on three separate sites and expanding the Cottingham site onto adjacent land will consolidate all Swift manufacturing processes onto one site and ensure the company’s continued contribution to the local economy.
The new roundabout access will significantly reduce traffic levels on local roads around the Cottingham area, with the main access to the Swift Factory being via the new link to the Beverley Bypass.

The planning application, which was made by Swift Holdings (UK) Limited and the Boundary Business Park development consortium, must now be referred to Government Office before it can go ahead.

Peter Smith, Swift group chairman, said: “We are delighted the council has supported our expansion plans. This will further streamline our operations and ensure we are able to remain competitive and retain our position as one of the Europe’s leading suppliers of caravans and motor homes. 

“As the major employer in the area, we value our relationship with the local community and we are looking forward to implementing the plans which not only safeguard Swift’s future and hundreds of local jobs, but also improves the quality of residential life by significantly reducing commercial traffic.”

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk