Luxury carmaker Bentley looks set to be given the go-ahead for a major expansion of its Cheshire headquarters as part of plans to invest in the production of additional vehicle lines.

The company's full planning application to redevelop an 11.1-acre site immediately to the north of its existing home in Crewe will be considered by Cheshire East Council's planning committee next Wednesday (18 May 2016). It is seeking permission to demolish all existing buildings on the site on the other side of Pyms Lane, which currently contains parking facilities for Bentley and a council waste depot.

In their place, Bentley wants to construct a five-storey Engineering Technical Centre comprising offices and warehouses, and a two-storey Design Centre comprising offices and a workshop. These would sit alongside the Bentley Business Building, which already has planning consent.

The proposed new development would have a floor space of approximately 415,401 sq ft. The Engineering Technical Centre (pictured below) would be the largest building.

Ahead of the meeting, a report prepared by councillors has recommended that the scheme should be approved.

It said: "It is important to recognise that Bentley Motors is a major employer in the area. Bentley are seeking to improve and reconfigure their facilities in order to work more effectively and efficiently within the main administration, office and production areas of the plant to allow the company to realise their expansion plans and produce additional products.

"This proposal is a major component of the long-term vision to invest in the production and manufacture of additional lines of vehicle. Thus, there are significant benefits arising from the scheme that would support job creation and the economic growth in the locality and the borough."

Bentley currently employs approximately 4,000 staff in Crewe.

Pictured: Images taken from planning documents by AHR

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