PLANS have been put forward for a factory expansion to help 'support the long-term development' of a family-run business in Lazonby. 

Addis Town Planning Ltd, on behalf of Bells of Lazonby Ltd, submitted two applications to Westmorland & Furness Planning Authority in December highlighting their project intentions.

One application discloses the bakery's purpose to knock down existing appendages and a flour silo to establish new, practical spaces at Edenholme Bakery.

The other sheds light on designs for the construction of a storage building and extensions for both the bakery and the gluten-free bakery.

The latter is targeted towards an agricultural field to the immediate west of the existing bakery site.

Managing director Tim Conder of Bells of Lazonby Ltd, said the development will help the business to uphold its high employment rate in the area as well as hopes to reduce the 'comings and goings of goods vehicles in and out of the village'. 

"We are now in our 78th year in the village, and remain proudly family-owned with the family still living in Lazonby. 

"We are extremely proud of how the business has developed over the years, providing food to every major supermarket, national coffee shop chains and even exporting as far as Australia. 

"We provide valuable well-paid permanent employment to 350 people from the local area and we are proud of our employment record, with many of our staff having been with us for decades of continuous service. 

"Throughout our history, we have been supportive of the village and local causes and this will continue," he said. 

Additionally, the company highlighted its dedication to sustainability: "We provide minibus transport for staff which helps reduce vehicle movements in the village.

"Last year, we invested substantially in solar panels and 100 per cent renewable electricity."

Residents have both come out in support and also against the application, with its consultation ending on February 9. 

Those in support of the plans have highlighted the firm's continued commitment to the area, particularly when it comes to its high employment rate. 

Others have objected due to the scale of the plans, design, as well as raising environmental concerns. 

Addressing local concerns over the potential visual impact, Mr Conder said that they are "committed to minimising the visual aspect of any development on the village."

"A vast majority of our storage is currently off-site and this application would enable us to provide more of that on-site, with the aim of reducing the comings and goings of goods vehicles in and out of the village.

"We would also be able to improve the efficiency of our production flows as part of this application."