Karva Furniture, Grangemoor Road, Widdrington Station

Disused factory site to the west of Widdrington Station. A little isolated and situated outwith the settlement boundary. The complex comprises of largely single-storey, flat-roofed buildings, but which are now derelict and in an increasing state of disrepair. The land had previously been part of Stobswood drift mine, housing the pithead baths, lamp room and associated outbuildings. On closure, an industrial workshop was constructed, which was utilised for furniture manufacturing for many years. The site has been vacant for some time and is no longer considered suitable for modern industrial/commercial use. The buildings currently in situ would require clearance prior to redevelopment. The site has been identified for redevelopment for a number of years. An initial outline application for residential development was refused in 2006 (CM/20060524). A revised proposal, for demolition and construction of 13 homes, was submitted for construction in 2007 and remained under consideration for many years, before finally being disposed of in 2024 (CM/20070970). More recently, in 2017 a proposal for clearance of the site and construction of 9 homes was submitted but was later withdrawn (17/00204/FUL). The last contact from the landowner confirmed that there was still an intention to redevelop the site and progress. Noting the long planning history, it remains available and achievable. Currently considered developable later in the plan period (11 to 15 years).