Major expansion of March Cold Stores – that could see capacity doubled – has been unveiled at a public consultation.

The company, based in Marwick Road and owned by Savage Haulage, circulated neighbouring streets ahead of the meeting that was attended by 14 residents.

The consultation is the first stage in the process of submitting a planning application to Fenland District Council that could see an additional 4,000 square metre storage unit erected to support the existing 3,500 square metres of storage.

The company employs 70 people directly at their factory and at least 20 new jobs will be created if the proposals go ahead but other jobs locally such as drivers will be required.

Ian Trundley, managing director of trundley design that has drawn up the plans, said the bigger and improved facility would enable March Cold Stores to work with a growing order base.

He said: “This is very good news for the local economy not simply because of the extra jobs but of the confidence March Cold Stores has in the town.”

The company has been established for 20 years “and has not had much development in that period. This will produce a long term sustainable future.”

March Cold Store currently has capacity for 6,000 pallets of chilled and frozen produce – the extension will double that capacity.

Residents were told that because March Cold Stores would be able to attract bigger clients once the extension is built, the number of lorry movements would not improve significantly. Mr Trundley said that between two to four extra movements a day would be expected.

The application remains in its infancy and Mr Trundley said plans could alter once feedback from the meeting was discussed with his client.

Preliminary meetings have taken place with the council economic and planning departments to discuss the proposals. He wanted to know if his client’s plans were viable in this area.

“I am glad to advise that these discussions have been very positive to date,” he said. Part of the planning process was the consultation with residents and their views would be considered.

“Like most things there were positives and negatives to arise from the meeting and all will now be considered,” said Mr Trundle.

He was not sure when a finalised application would be submitted.