PROPOSALS that could see the creation of up to 25 full time jobs in Bude have been unveiled as part of a planning application.

Gemini Manufacturing Ltd, a manufacturer of plastics products, has submitted the application to change the use of the building at Plot 8, Bude-Stratton Business Park from its present use as a data centre to one that permits light industrial use.

It has been advertised for sale as a former data centre with a price of £575,000 – and is presently under offer.

The unit at the centre of the construction was first granted planning approval in May 2000 for the erection of a two-storey unmanned telecommunications centre and a small office.

However, if the application to change its use is approved by Cornwall Council, it could bring manufacturing jobs to the towns of Bude and Stratton.

In documents submitted as part of the application to formally change the use of the industrial building, Laurence Associates, the planning agent representing the manufacturer stated: “The proposal is for a change of use from a data centre to a light industrial use for Gemini Manufacturing ltd, who are a plastics manufacturer, wishing to expand their UK offering due to ongoing success.

“The company was established in 1999 by the current owner and has grown into a national manufacturer for securing contracts across a range of sectors for leading brands from automotive, aerospace and medical through to consumer packaging.”

Details as to the types of plastic manufacturing that is undertaken by Gemini Manufacturing and the industry it would bring to Bude and Stratton if the planning application is approved and it goes ahead with its expansion was also revealed in the planning application.

The planning agent continued: “The company offers a wide range of services including injection moulding, blow moulding, product design and development, rapid prototype manufacturing and vacuum forming and thermoforming.

“Through a strategy of ongoing investment in the latest machinery and cutting-edge technology — from advanced moulding cells to digital design and inspection — Gemini have bridged the gap from development to producing high-volume parts in an expanding market, in the UK and abroad.

“Currently based in Buckinghamshire, this accessible location on the edge of Bude would provide the necessary space for the business to expand.

“A further benefit of the proposal would be the creation of local employment opportunities, the business expects to eventually recruit 25 full time and 5 part time jobs.”

It was added that the plans have the potential to have a positive impact on the local economy through the creation of ‘significant new employment opportunities’, and therefore should be approved in the view of the applicant.

There would be no external changes to the building, with the required changes all taking place to the interior of the industrial unit.

Further, there would be no changes to the layout of the site, with the existing level of parking and access retained in the reconfigured site.

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The full proposals can be seen on the Cornwall Council planning portal under reference PA26/05845.