RESIDENTS will get their first chance to see plans which could pave the way for a new biopharmaceuticals plant set to bring investment and jobs.

Lakes BioScience Ltd, of Ulverston, has submitted plans to South Lakeland District Council for a site on a disused car-park at Pulman Road, Ulverston.

The company, formed over 12 months ago from a collaboration of some of the UK’s most experienced industry professionals, is accelerating its plans due to global demand.

The company says it prides itself on the expertise of its team who have a track record of working fast to ensure rapid and agile responses to deliver innovative and effective solutions on a range of projects.

A Lakes BioScience spokesman said: “Globally, supply chains are under huge pressure to provide manufacturing capacity for monoclonal antibodies.

“We feel that now is the right time to submit plans so we are in a position to respond to this demand.

“We have started the planning process now so that if there is an urgent requirement, that we can have a site ready to meet that need.”

The firm hopes to start work on the site this year.

Manufacture of advanced monoclonal antibodies would be due to start within 15 months of breaking ground.

Lakes BioScience’s plans have been submitted at a time when The National Planning Policy Framework is aiming to create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt.

The policy states: “Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development.”

Residents will get their chance to see plans and talk to representatives from Lakes BioScience at a drop-in session held at the Williams Room, at The Coach House building, in Ford Park, Ulverston, from 3pm to 7pm on Friday, September 18, and from 10am-2pm on Saturday, September 19.

Registration will take place on the door for track and trace purposes. Social distancing will be required at all times. The flow of visitors will be managed to allow the correct number of people into the room at any one time.