PLANNING permission for a new factory in Ulverston has been submitted by GlaxoSmithKline today (Thursday).

One of the world’s leading healthcare companies, GSK has had a factory in Ulverston since 1948 and the new facility will be the company’s first new factory in the UK for 40 years.

Earlier this year GSK carried out an extensive public consultation on its plans.

Nearly 400 people attended public exhibitions in Ulverston and more than 70 people completed a feedback form.

The responses were overwhelmingly positive, with 99 per cent strongly agreeing or agreeing that ‘GSK’s investment in Ulverston will bring a positive contribution to the area overall’.

“We’ve been proud to be part of the community in Ulverston for more than 65 years and we’re very pleased with the response to our plans for the new factory,” said Pat McIver, the GSK Site Biopharm Lead.

“This is a very important development for GSK, Ulverston and the surrounding area.

“During the consultation we had a lot of very constructive discussions with local people and other stakeholders.

“This is a significant project, so there are a lot of issues to consider and it’s important that we get them right. We’ve responded to the comments and questions we have had as fully as possible and more information will become available as the plans are developed in more detail.”

It is anticipated around 700 jobs will be created during construction and operation of the new factory, including about 250 jobs once the first phase is fully operational.

Copies of the planning application can be found at www.GSK-Ulverston.co.uk.