PLANS have been submitted to construct a new BAE Systems production facility. 

BAE has submitted the plans for the new 40,564 sqm building, known as Ramsden Dock Facility (RDF), at land at Dova Way in Barrow.

The proposals are to build a pre-paint outfitting facility, which will be a similar operational site to the one already located within the Central Yard Complex Devonshire Dock Hall, in the BAE Systems site.

According to the planning statement submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council, the RDF will support the design, build, test and commission of some of 'the most advanced' submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.

The development would house around 400 workers during the day shift, 250 during the night shift and 165 office workers, plans say.

The site extends to circa 6.8 hectares (16.8 acres) and currently comprises multiple areas of hardstanding and has historically been used for industrial purposes related to Barrow Port.

The proposed RDF building in its entirety will be a structure 212 metres wide, 95 metres long and 45 meters high consisting of two main areas, which are the production facility and the support facility.

The planning statement said: "The main production hall will be circa 45m in height, 177m in length and 67m wide and will consist primarily of production space. Adjoined to the western facade of the production hall will be an annex measuring circa 1,237 sqm.

"The proposed support building is four storeys and will measure circa 16,149 sqm. It will adjoin the main production hall on its southern facade fronting onto Dova Way. This building will provide facilities including offices, workshops and ancillary spaces. 

"The proposed support facility building will be circa 22.5m in height, 25m wide and 151 in length."

Hard and soft landscaping will be provided throughout the site. The hard landscaping is required to be robust construction and will consist of concrete surfacing.

There are two areas of soft landscaping provided as part of the project. The northern area will comprise of a new balancing pond surrounded by silver birch trees, and the southern area will be planted and surrounded by wildflower grass seed mix. 

The developer submitted a long list of consultation documents to support the application, such as an ecological report on the land off Dova Way.