Fane Valley, a prominent name in Northern Ireland’s agricultural and food processing sector, has obtained planning permission for a £4.5 million industrial facility. This development is anticipated to create 25 new jobs in the region.

The approved plan involves the construction of a 5,500 square metre office and industrial unit on Glenavy Road, close to Soldierstown, in Moria. This facility is intended to serve as a storage and distribution hub for Fane Valley’s online sales of agricultural supplies. Additionally, it will support the supply chain for Fane Valley’s 17 stores spread across Northern Ireland.

Originally, in 2017, Fane Valley had secured planning permission for the Glenavy Road Business Park, which was to consist of 20 units. However, the plans have since been revised to focus on a single, larger building to meet the company’s evolving needs.

The planning application, managed by Belfast-based planning consultancy Clyde Shanks, received the green light from the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee. As the project progresses, it is noteworthy that no developer has been attached to the initiative yet.

Alderman Martin Gregg, chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Planning Committee, commented on the approval, highlighting the potential economic benefits for the Dundonald and Moira areas.

With the upcoming “Tomorrow’s Net Zero” conference focusing on sustainable solutions, it will be interesting to see how projects like Fane Valley’s align with broader industry goals and discussions on sustainability.