PLANS have been submitted to Carlisle City Council, which if approved, would provide more conference and teach facilities at a research and development centre.

A planing application has been submitted to extend the Lord Cullan Building at DNV-GL, Spadeadam making way for new staff offices, meeting rooms, a canteen, teaching hall and client centre.

New security fencing is included in the plans, with an access gate, car park and gate house.

DNV-GL is a research and development centre located in the Ministry of Defence property at RAF Spadeadam.

In their Design and Access statement, the applicant said: "Due to the continued growth of the site, it has become apparent that the personnel on site need to be consolidated within one central building that is easily accessible for training and client needs.

"One of the issues that has become apparent over the last few years since the conferencing facility has been operational, is the shortage of car parking provision for clients and visitors to the site. Also with the various office facilities scattered throughout the site results in personnel being based all over the site rather than in a centralised location so when visitors arrive meetings have to take place in the client/visitors centre due to the lack of meeting space available in other facilities."

DNV-GL said that the new building will be two storeys "and utilises the existing site levels and topography to link the new building at the lower ground level that the Lord Cullan building currently occupies creating a level ground floor access with the new secure lobby, canteen, staff and learning facilities that are available for all users of the building."

Security is a key consideration given the nature of the site and the tests that take place at Spadeadam.

They said: "This proposals looks to utilise existing made ground which lies between the Lord Cullan building and the client centre. The intension is to build the new offices prior to the existing client centre and gate house are demolished, ensuring the existing site remains secure at all times. The new security perimeter fencing, visitor car parking and gate house will be built prior to the new building being occupied."

To view and comment on planning applications submitted for the Carlisle area, visit: https://www.carlisle.gov.uk/Residents/Planning-and-Building-Control