A COMPANY is looking to expand and safeguard jobs at the same time.

Walsh Mushrooms, of Crab Apple Way, Evesham, has applied for planning permission to build a 91-metre long building to incorporate a cold store and office space.

The proposed building would be put up alongside the existing warehouse on the site with a 40-metre wide concrete yard in between. A 28-space car park would be provided to the front.

It would provide accommodation for 15 office staff, 25 packers, and 10 drivers and would safeguard a total of 72 jobs in Evesham, as well as allow for continued expansion.

The application follows several successful other ones in recent years as the company has continued to grow.

And, once again the planning authority, Wychavon District Council, looks set to approve the plans. The council's development control committee is to make a decision on the application on Thursday, January 26.

One of the local authority's planning officers, Jonathan Edwards, recommended they give the green light to the application.

He said: "The details of the proposed development are deemed acceptable and as such I recommend permission is granted."

Conditions are expected to be added. These will include modifying the entrance to the site to stop lorries damaging the road and kerb, and restrictions on noise. It has also been recommended that a travel plan be drawn up to discourage the use of private travel to and from the site and encourage alternative transport.