500 jobs on the way if plans to redevelop Alcan smelting plant site are approved

More than 500 jobs could be created if plans to redevelop a former aluminium smelting site in Northumberland are given the green light.

Harworth Estates Investments Ltd is proposing to build a 121,000sqm employment park in Lynemouth, having purchased the 71 hectare site in April 2015.

The company said the park would be used for “general industry” and the number of buildings would depend on what businesses needed.

Several buildings from the former Alcan smelting plant have been retained and companies currently based there employ more than 100 people.

The planning application said this could increase to 650 if the plans for the park are given the go-ahead.

Iain Thomson, associate director, partnerships and communications at Harworth Estates, said: “The benefits of what we’re proposing within the planning application to the North East are significant, as the scheme’s redevelopment could deliver several hundred new jobs to the region. This is what we stated when we originally bought the site in April 2015.

“The site’s rail-connection means that it could be of use to a range of companies, including rail-based manufacturers, and we’ve had good interest from occupiers even before planning has been determined. Our aim remains bringing skilled, high-value employment to the site.

“It is also worth noting that we’ve retained several former Rio Tinto Alcan buildings already at Lynefield Park and over a hundred people are already employed there, including staff from companies including Lynx Precast and H-Mix. The redevelopment of the site is therefore a key regeneration programme for Northumberland.”

Following a public consultation, 88% of people who responded were in favour of the development, with many supporting the proposed employment boost.

However, two letters of objection were submitted which raised concerns over noise and air pollution, as well as an increase in traffic at Woodhorn crossroads.

The plans have been recommended for approval and will go before Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee on Tuesday.

The smelter, which opened in 1974, was one of the most efficient aluminium smelting plants in the world when it was in production.