Rotherwas’ role as a hub of high-tech industries in Herefordshire could be about to take a step forward, bringing at least 50 jobs as well as apprenticeships.

Techtest is seeking confirmation (application number 240754) that it can proceed with a new 3,100-square-metre factory on a vacant plot in Hursey Road, part of the “Southern Magazine” area of the Rotherwas industrial zone southeast of Hereford.

The firm is part of the HR Smith group, a manufacturer of specialist aircraft parts. Techtest itself specialises in emergency locator and testing equipment for civil and military use.

RELATED NEWS:

The group already employs 328 locally, making it one of the largest employers in the Rotherwas enterprise zone, where it already occupies ten buildings, in addition to its base in Kingsland.

As well as bringing “at least 50” new full-time jobs, the new building would include “a small apprentice school to develop local specialist skills to support the new facility”, the application says.

Of similar proportions to those nearby, the “traditional north light building” would have a multi-pitched roof with large north-facing roof panes to maximise daylight, and roof-mounted solar panels.

OTHER NEWS:

With no lorry trips expected, the paved areas have been designed around large van manoeuvres.

The surrounding landscaping would feature biodiversity-boosting measures including berry-producing and nectar-rich shrubs and hedgehog houses.

As the site lies within the designated enterprise zone, “in principle, technical planning considerations such as flood risk and ecology have already been addressed”, the application adds.

Comments on the application can be made via the Herefordshire Council planning page until April 1, with a decision expected later the same month.