A bid from a laboratory equipment supplier to expand in Maldon has been recommended for approval by town councillors.

The town council's planning committee reached the decision last night (Monday, 6 December), after considering Eppendorf Cryotech's proposal to expand its operations at Quayside Industrial Estate in Heybridge.

The company hopes to erect a temporary building to the east of the site to store materials used to produce ultra-low freezers, and add a temporary tent to the south of the proposed building as a reception for the delivery of goods.

The building and tent would be used for a temporary period of five years by the life science company, which develops and sells instruments, consumables and services for liquid, sample and cell handling in laboratories worldwide.

A spokesperson for Strutt & Parker, a property consultancy firm, said in a planning statement that the business is experiencing "increase in demand due to Covid".

They said: "The proposal is an important development to support a local business in expanding their operations, which in turn will generate economic growth.

"The business is currently at full capacity and requires additional storage space to meet their increase in demand."

They said short-term jobs would be created through the construction and erection of the temporary building and tent, while longer-term jobs may be created as a result of the expansion of the business.

The application is considered to be a major development as it proposes an additional 1327.3 square metres of internal floorspace.

The spokesperson for Strutt & Parker said: "The proposed building and tent has been designed to remain in character with the business park and is of a moderate scale suitable for its use."

Councillor Abdul Hafiz proposed that the town council recommends approval of the plans, which was seconded by Councillor Mark Heard and voted through - with four councillors four and two against.

Maldon District Council will make the final decision.