Plans have been revealed for a new site for a new HQ for a multi-national firm in Carlisle.
Komatsu Forest Ltd wants to build the new headquarters at Carlisle Airport Business Park.
The manufacturer of forestry, construction, mining and utility equipment is looking to move to new premises more suitable to the operation but is keen to keep its headquarters in Cumbria.
Komatsu Forest Ltd is a multinational company with its national headquarters currently based at Longtown.
These have become too constrained for the growing business, it said, but it was keen to keep its national HQ in the Carlisle area.
The firm has submitted the plans for new office space, a parts department and workshop to Carlisle City Council.
The proposal includes the construction of a two-storey office space clad in timber with Komatsu lettering on the roof.
The site would also include a parts department and workshop, parking for up to 35 cars and cycle parking.
The proposed site is next to Carlisle Airport. Flights were being operated to Belfast and London prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 which has led to a loss of the service provider for the routes.
However, the applicant has said that its operations would not disrupt that of the airport if they resumed. Statutory consultees have offered no objections.
In its planning statement, Komatsu said the development would provide an economic benefit to the area.
It said: “It is considered that the proposal is fully compliant with national and local policies and will bring significant public benefits by retaining the UK headquarters of an international company within the city district. Care has been taken to ensure the the development meets the needs of Komatsu, allows for the long term future of the company in Carlisle and is visually acceptable within the landscape.”
