Plans have been lodged for a vertical farming facility at an East Yorkshire business park that could support the creation of hundreds of jobs. Key Growing, supported by Geoffrey Prince Associates, has submitted an application to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for an extension to Woodmansey Business Park.
Planning permission is sought for a vertical farm complex (VFC) for growing micro salads, herbs, soft fruits, bulbs, and flowers, together with free-standing office buildings and starter units, all served by the existing onsite anaerobic digestion plant. The proposed VFC would have a footprint of 84,000 sq ft and a total gross international area of 97400 sq ft.
Four two-story office buildings would provide a total of 41,500 sq ft, with eight single-story starter units measuring a total of 31,000 sq ft would be created. The plans also include an energy management and distribution building, a water attenuation pond incorporating a wildlife and nature park, internal circulation road, car and lorry parking, and landscaping.
The proposed development would extend Woodmansey Business Park, which is owned by Key Growing, by 40 percent to 62 acres and increase the numbers employed at the park from about 450 to 730. A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: "The scheme resonates well with the national goal of increasing food production in a sustainable way and contributing to food security.
"Detailed negotiations are ongoing with an operator for the VFC and also funding partners. There is strong interest and commitments from onsite businesses to take up space in the commercial units as part of their expansion plans and their desire to remain on the Woodmansey Business Park, which is accessible by public transport and cycling to employees living in the Hull and Beverley areas.
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