Another local meat factory is planning an extension to its premises in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Linden Foods, at the Granville Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Dungannon, hopes to construct a two-storey extension, while also carrying out alterations to its existing boning hall amenity area.
It is estimated that the works will cost in excess of £750,000, according to Construction Information Services.
An application for the proposed changes – submitted in September – has now been given the go-ahead by Mid-Ulster District Council.
It comes after Armagh I last week revealed plans for an extension by Moy Park Ltd to its Craigavon facility to help with the distancing of staff.
For Linden Foods, according to a supporting statement, the development will provide “much needed additional floor space for the amenity area as well as providing additional office and meeting/training space”.
It adds: “The current amenity area was constructed approximately 25 years ago and is not now fit for purpose.
“Since it was constructed the workforce has trebled in size.
“An expansion of the amenity area has been planned for some time, however, in light of the current situation, in regard to Covid-19, the proposals have been redesigned to ensure the workforce is adequately protected through social distancing and one way pedestrian flows.
“A similar situation exists within the offices; space is at an absolute premium and socially distancing within the current offices is virtually impossible.
“To alleviate this problem the opportunity has been taken, within this application, to provide an additional 375 sq metres on the first floor over the amenity area.
“The extension as proposed will provide office and amenity facilities which are fit for purpose and will assist greatly in managing and protecting the workforce in this current and any future pandemics.”
