ONE of the world’s leading ice cream machine makers has been given the go-ahead to expand.

Carpigiani UK applied for planning permission to build to the rear of its Carpigiani House headquarters in Coldnose Road, a cul-de-sac on the Rotherwas industrial estate, south of Hereford.

The parent company was founded in Bologna, Italy in 1948, and housing extra warehouse, parts storage and service space, the 226-square-metre single-storey building will free up areas of the main building, including for use as a showroom, its application said.

Apart from a small office space, toilet and kitchenette, the building will comprise “a large open area”, with a roller shutter door and an exterior of grey sheeting. Six new parking spaces will be added alongside it.

Planning officer Emma Aram concluded that the location, scale and design of the building were “appropriate for the site and area as a whole” which “has only commercial neighbours”.

The company had addressed concerns raised over surface water drainage from the new building, which will be via an on-site soakaway.

It previously occupied Phantom House on the Straight Mile, formerly Faculty House, now home to a Gregg’s bakery and takeaway.

Its current premises hosts “Gelato University” sessions to train those looking to make and sell gelato, a smoother, less fatty form of ice cream.