Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 5
/NEWS
Crafter’s Companion
sales director Sara
Davies is hoping to
expand her company
into Newton Aycliffe.
CHOOSING RIGHT
STAFF IS SO VITAL
Plans for former Holiways site
recommended for approval after delays
A global craft supplies company’s application
to convert the former Holiways garage has been
recommended for approval.
Crafter’s Companion, based at Coundon,
Bishop Auckland, has targeted the former car
showroom to be its base for exciting £100m
growth plans.
Durham County Council planners had
identified other locations as potential
alternative premises – one in the town centre
and one at Neville’s Parade - to accommodate
the firm’s expansion project.
But after Crafter’s Companion deemed
both sites unsuitable, one of the authority’s
officers has said the plans are now “broadly
accepted”.
And Business Durham – Durham Council’s
business arm – has also supported the
application.
Councillors are now expected to vote on
the application soon after the delays.
In a planning document, Durham’s spatial
policy officer Michael Lowe said: “The
proposal comprises of a retail unit and coffee
shop as well as B1 office use.
“Whilst it is out of the town centre, the
applicant has considered more central
locations through a sequential assessment.
The applicant’s conclusions are broadly
accepted.
“The development will provide economic
and social benefits in terms of contribution
to the local economy as well as employment
given the predicted growth potential and
employment creation.
“It would also make use of an existing
site which has already fallen out of general
industrial use and comprises of an empty
car showroom. No harm has been identified
from a planning policy perspective.”
John Parnell, Business Durham’s business
development manager (South), has also
submitted a supporting letter.
He said: “They (Crafter’s Companion) have
been considering their growth plans for the
next ten years [