PLANS for a proposed green tyre store extension at a Carlisle factory have been approved, subject to conditions, by planners at Cumberland Council.

Pirelli Tyres had applied for planning permission for the development at the main manufacturing factory building at its Dalston Road site.

In addition to the extension the permission also includes an associated fire service access road and alterations to the building perimeter.

According to the decision and reasons report the factory is located on the eastern side of Dalston Road, to the immediate south of the crematorium, and west of the River Caldew and Caldew cycletrack.

The report states: "The proposed extension would provide a building which would house an automated racking system for the storage of green tyres before they go through the final manufacturing stage.

"The proposed extension would measure 65m in length by 40m in width. The building requires a clear internal height of 20m from ground floor, with an overall ridge height of circa 22m.

"The extension would be clad in materials that would match those already in use on the factory."

It concludes: "In overall terms, the proposal would be acceptable in principle. The scale and design of the extension would be acceptable and it would not have an adverse impact on the living conditions of the occupiers of any neighbouring properties, or the adjacent conservation area, or on biodiversity.

"The proposed access and highway arrangements would be acceptable. In all aspects, the proposal is compliant with the objectives of the relevant adopted local plan policies."

According to a separate planning statement the proposed extension is in an area which is remote from any adjacent housing, with a broad buffer of fields partially enclosed by formed embankments.

It adds: "The proposed development will be adjacent to the Cummersdale Copse — a public amenity area primarily used by dog walkers and local residents to Cummersdale Village comprising of footpaths and extensive planting of native trees and shrubs.

"Since its establishment in 2004, the copse is continuing to mature naturally and now screens a large part of the site as viewed from Cummersdale Road."