CassFab Engineering – Kearsley, Bolton

We were appointed by our client, CassFab Engineering, to assist in their industrial extension project in Kearsley, Bolton. CassFab specialize in steel fabrication, from HGV trailers to beams for home extensions & new builds. CassFab have assisted a selection of our clients with steel fabrication in the past, and therefore we were delighted for the opportunity to assist in providing more workspace for their growing business.

The brief

Having simply outgrown their current unit, CassFab Engineering needed a more space in order to grow their own business and cater for current demand and also to provide a new “clean area” so the final stages of fabrication can be separated from their main working area.

The design

We looked to retain the existing rear perimeter wall of their existing unit and utilise the adjoining neighbours perimeter wall to minimize build cost and time as well as maximizing internal usable floor space.

Planning

PJH Architectural Services handled the planning application for our client, in the first instance we provided a design which created a 50% increase to the floor area while remaining in-keeping the existing & surrounding units, as well maintaining sufficient car parking spaces for current staff and potential future staff that the extension will facilitate.

We provided the council with a clear detailed set of planning drawings & information, inclusive of existing and proposed floor plans, roof plans and elevations along with location and block plans for the site, accompanied with a detailed design and access statement; this allowed us to demonstrate how the proposal conforms to Bolton Council’s Validation Checklist, whilst also highlighting how the proposal safeguards existing employment & referencing Bolton Council’s planning  policies which specifically supports employment within the Lyon Industrial Estate area. Given the nature of the application and the requirement to adjoin to our clients neighboring building, it was necessary to complete a certificate B as part of the planning application. (This confirms to the council that the neighboring properties have been given suitable notice of the proposed works).

Building regulations/ tender

Once we received planning consent it was time to progress onto the detailed building regulations/tender drawings. Working closely with the clients chosen structural engineer, we aimed to create functional space in conjunction with the portal frame design, which looked to minimize structural bracing and maximize useable floor area. Once complete, we submitted our detailed building regulation drawings to an approved inspector, that we work closely with on the majority of our projects, on behalf of the client. Having a good working relationship with an approved inspector ensures the application was processed without delay and our client was ready to go to tender as soon as possible.

Looking to learn more, please feel free to take a look at some of our informative blogs:

Don’t Risk The Price Of Incorrect Information
Why Can Architects Fees Differ?
The value of detailed architectural drawings

If you need any advice on the first steps of designing and planning an industrial extension project, extension or new build feel free to get in touch for a brief chat, we are here to help.