Arms maker applies to upgrade factory

A defence company has applied to make changes to a large factory building, so it can start large-calibre gun barrel production in 2027.

Rheinmetall Real Estate Telford wants permission to install new flues and ductwork to a former GKN Sankey building in Telford, along with external air source heat pumps, a new 2.5m perimeter fence, gates and bollards.

The German arms manufacturer, which recently bought the site at Hadley Castle, said the contract to make the gun barrels would generate more than 400 highly skilled jobs and deliver an estimated £400m boost to the UK economy over the next decade.

Rheinmetall said the factory improvements were needed to meet its commercial obligations.

In its planning application to Telford and Wrekin Council, the company said the bigger fence would mean the loss of a tree, but overall claimed there would be a 12.75% increase in biodiversity.

It also said the proposals for the two-storey building had been put together to ensure there was "no significant adverse impact on neighbouring properties in terms of noise, odour, dust or light".

Rheinmetall already manufactures the Challenger 3 tank and the Boxer armoured vehicle in a joint venture with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land in Telford.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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