Sunderland planners back welcome expansion of Washington car parts firm as it creates new jobs

Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee, at a meeting this week, gave the green light to proposals to expand SNOP UK Limited’s base at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) in Washington.

Leading automotive firm SNOP was one of the first occupiers at IAMP and moved to a new factory off International Drive at the end of 2019.

According to a planning statement submitted to council officials, the company acts as the “benchmark supplier in various fields including the design and manufacturing of body in white, interior and engine compartment parts; design and production of press dies; and design and production of automatic presses”.

Plans submitted last year (2024) sought permission for the “erection of an extension to the southern elevation of the existing building to extend the production area, with associated landscaping and engineering operations”.

A planning application form also indicated that the expansion, if approved, would create more than 30 full-time equivalent roles at the facility.

Council planning officers, in a report published ahead of a decision-making meeting on January 27, 2025, had recommended the development for approval and said it would help achieve the wider objectives of the International Advanced Manufacturing Park.

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This included the “need to deliver additional employment opportunities in order to support the growth of the Northern Powerhouse; retain skilled workers; capitalise on the region’s strengths in key sectors such as manufacturing, transport and logistics; and supporting inward investment in highly accessible locations close to key transport networks”.

Council planners also noted that the local highway authority and National Highways had “both reviewed the submitted information and have offered no objections to the proposed extension to the commercial unit”.

The council committee report adds: “The proposal is considered to conform with the NPPF’s (national planning policy framework’s) commitment to support economic growth and support the growth of existing businesses, the proposed development achieves the aims and objectives of the AAP (IAMP area action plan) and CSDP (council local plan) policies.

“The expansion of the SNOP development will also assist IAMP and Sunderland to continue to be one of the best international locations for automotive and advanced manufacturing.”

Plans were presented for decision at a meeting of the council’s Planning and Highways Committee on Monday, January 27, 2025, at City Hall.

Council planners said the plans were a “welcome expansion”, noted there had been no objections from neighbouring properties or other consultees during a consultation exercise and said the development’s scale, appearance and layout would be acceptable.

There were no questions or comments from councillors and after being put to the vote, the plans were approved by the Planning and Highways Committee.

It was also noted that the council would secure a financial contribution from developers towards “biodiversity net gain monitoring fees” as part of a legal agreement.

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A planning statement submitted by applicants last year said the plans would “allow SNOP UK Limited to increase the scale of their advanced manufacturing services” and would “ensure that SNOP UK Limited, the IAMP and Sunderland continue to play a leading role in advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry”.

The planning statement added: “The principle of the proposed development for an extension of an existing manufacturing unit, within an area allocated for automotive and advanced manufacturing uses, is acceptable whilst continuing to help drive forward economic growth within Sunderland and the wider region, including the creation of both temporary and permanent new jobs both during the construction and operational phases, increased economic output and increased business rates.”

For more information on the planning application and council decision, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 24/01521/FUL