ABOUT 300 new jobs could be created in Ryedale through fresh plans for a food factory - almost three times more than originally expected.

Yorkshire Baker got the green light from Ryedale District Council earlier this year to build the production plant at a Norton industrial estate, having outgrown its current base at the site.

The scheme was initially intended to lead to about 120 jobs, but the firm has now handed in revised proposals to the council for a larger factory on the same site at Norton Grove Industrial Estate because demand for its products has increased. If approved, it would employ about 300 people at “full production levels”, with planners set to make a decision in August.

The building would be used to make “meat-based pastry products” and also include offices and storage and parking areas, as well as a new access route from Hugden Way. Trundley Design Services, the agents for the scheme, said the target was for the development to be completed by next January.

In a statement submitted to the council, Trundley said the new scheme was due to “customers’ increased expectations” for Yorkshire Baker’s products, adding: “The conclusion is that the original building would not have met the production levels expected and a new application is required for the amended building design.

“The ability to deliver the facility to meet the clients’ customer needs remains paramount. The increase in building production will mean an increase in workforce.”

The factory building would cover about 6,000sqm and have parking space for 87 vehicles and 42 bikes, and the developers said acoustic fencing will be installed to cut down on noise, while nearby trees would also be protected.

They said traffic generated by the scheme - which will also see Yorkshire Baker’s existing premises at the industrial estate being retained - would be highest at about 6am, 2pm and 10pm, when shift changes would take place, with about six lorries arriving and leaving the site on a daily basis.

“This revised solution offers further employment benefit to the local community, while allowing a local successful business to fulfil the expectations of its customers,” said Trundley’s statement. The previous planning application for the factory was backed by Norton Town Council as well as the district council.