MORE development could be set to take place along Middlewich’s Midpoint 18 with an application submitted to build a new Scottish Power depot.

Middlewich development giants Pochin’s has submitted a planning application to build a 8,600sq m depot for Scottish Power just a week after announcing plans to build a 14,402sq m warehouse in the same area.

If planning permission is granted, the new development will be bigger than the current depot on Brooks Lane and will have around 65 staff.

John Heathman, district manager for SP Energy Networks, said: “We are in advanced stages of negotiation with Pochins to design and develop a brand new depot facility for our teams of engineers, technicians and office staff based in Middlewich.

“Our current depot has a team of around 40 staff, and we envisage around 65 being based at the new depot.

“Recently we have also seen a 40 per cent increase in customers enquiring to install their home power generation to our network, such as solar panels. This growth and our planned investments means that we need a larger facility in Middlewich for our teams to operate from.

“We have been operating in Middlewich for over 15 years, and we look forward to continuing our association with the area. Based on the successful conclusion of negotiations with Pochins, and securing relevant planning permissions, we would hope to have the new depot up and running before the end of next year.”

The plans for the new Scottish Power depot consist of a warehouse and yard facility as well as 97 parking spaces for cars and HGV’s.

The application is due to be discussed by a Cheshire East planning board on Wednesday, August 5.