PLANS for the latest major development in a shipyard have been unanimously backed, paving the way for the building of a new generation of submarines.

Members of Barrow Borough Council's planning committee voted in favour of the construction of the Paint Shop Facility (PSF) in Bridge Road, Barrow, which will house pressure hull units for shot blasting, painting and acoustic tiling.

The specialist facility, which will be about 105m long, 65m wide and 27m high, will be close to the Central Yard Complex and forms part of the redevelopment of the shipyard to make it ready for the Successor programme.

Councillors supported the development but raised some concerns over noise, traffic and the air quality at the Town Hall meeting today.

Updating the committee on the company's travel and car parking plans, Steve Robson, head of site and facilities at BAE, said: "The travel plan considers how we as a business will address more sustainable travel. We are focusing on trying to reduce single car occupancy.

"We are already talking to Stagecoach to see what opportunities there are."

Plans for the PSF feature six flues which will raise to 29m in height, however paint fumes will not be directed towards residential areas.

Modern claddings and the exclusion of openings to the industrial cells are being designed to help control noise breakouts from the workshop. 

In his report to the council, Jason Hipkiss, case officer, said: "The development represents a significant investment by the company and is an integral part of the BAE estate upgrtade to accommodate the Successor programme.

"The proposal utilises an enclosed site, within an existing industrial complex, which has a history of approvals for large scale manufacturing facilities."

The approved plans are subject to a section 106 obligation with the planning authority and Cumbria County Council – which involves BAE making contributions towards local infrastructure and highways.

Various conditions has been placed on this development, including the submission of a car parking strategy for the whole site, controls over drainage, and policies on construction times.

The Successor programme is the replacement for the country’s Trident fleet of submarine-based nuclear deterrent. The final decision to commit to the programme is expected next year, with construction of the boats taking place in the Barrow shipyard.