Reddish plant to undergo 15,000 sq ft expansion

Paper and plastics recycling company Elsa is redeveloping its existing site having acquired the neighbouring industrial complex known as Climax Works.

Elsa Recycling Group has been granted planning approval to expand its facilities in Reddish to encompass 38,400 sq ft, compared to the 23,800 sq ft building it has currently. Its operations would be spread out across almost three acres at the site on Station Road.

Stockport Council unanimously approved the plans last week after Elsa had revised and resubmitted an earlier application to address concerns the council had over the original designs. Stockport had recommended the scheme for refusal in April.

Elsa has operated from the Reddish premises for the past 20 years, recycling more than 700 tonnes of paper and card each week on behalf of clients including supermarkets, universities and local authorities.

The company acquired Climax Works, a site immediately adjacent to its current location, in 2019. The planning approval will enable Elsa to redevelop both pieces of land to provide better on-site circulation and additional storage to operate “more efficiently and with less impact on the local highway network and neighbours”, as it grows its business, the company said.

Greg Humphreys, managing director at Elsa, said: “Our investment and plans are designed to ensure that the important recycling service we provide can operate more efficiently, safely and with less impact, helping us become better neighbours in the local community.”

P4 Planning was Elsa’s planning consultant and the project team also included real estate advisor M’GRA Consulting and SKTP Transport Consultants.

“The proposed development greatly improves the existing operation and will bring significant improvements to Elsa’ efficiency and to the amenity of neighbouring local residents,” said P4 director Rhian Thomas.

“This approval enables Elsa to invest in its future development which will benefit the whole area and continue to assist sustainable waste efforts across the North West.”