By Dave Gudgeon

Last updated 10:21, Friday, 19 September 2008

An established floral business may be about to bloom even more brightly on a new site.

And bosses are keen to expand the operation – and ultimately recruit more staff – by growing flowers there.

Gordon Wilson has applied for permission to create The Flower Bank on his Bankdale Farm at Wreay, near Carlisle.

It would mean building a store/warehouse for the preparation and distribution of cut flowers on the site of an old piggery unit there.

Carlisle City Council has already begun consultations with people living near the farm and hopes to make a decision on the plan by Friday, October 10.

It is understood that The Flower Bank would be run by Mr Wilson’s daughter, Helen, allowing them to derive an income in addition to that coming from the farm.

Miss Wilson presently operates Fearons Flowers Wholesale on an industrial estate at Wigton where there are limitations, particularly with regard to the lease.

It is believed the aim is to effectively transfer that business to the farm which stands closer to the M6 and its customers who are located in and around Carlisle and the borders.

A number of the present staff are apparently looking to leave, many through retirement, and it is possible some new workers will be recruited from those living close to Bankdale Farm.

The Flower Bank, which would also have a retail outlet, will need eight members of staff – but that may grow if flowers are also grown on site.

A document supporting the application says: “One aim of the business is to grow and sell cut flowers and greenery direct from the farm at Bankdale.

“This would provide the business with a unique selling point over competitors and sufficient research has been done to show this is possible. Establishment of homegrown produce could be underway as soon as 2009.

“There are many varieties of cut flowers and greenery commonly used by florists which can be grown in the north of England at the moment without the aid of glasshouses and/or poly-tunnels.”

The report says business hours will be Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings, while traffic movements would be roughly three lorries each week, a delivery van leaving twice a day.

It says staff would car share.

It says neighbours already consulted about the plans have not raised any objections.