New industrial developments for Humber Freeport

Planning approval has been granted for two significant developments at the Humber Freeport’s Goole tax site, signalling a major boost to the region’s industrial capacity and investment appeal.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has approved full planning permission for Metsä Tissue, a Finnish tissue paper manufacturer, and the Wykeland Group to develop the UK’s largest tissue paper mill. The facility will span approximately three million square feet and be delivered in phases. Once operational, it is expected to support up to 400 direct jobs and bolster the UK’s domestic production of tissue products by over 30%.

In a parallel decision, the council also granted outline planning consent to Henry Boot Developments (HBD) and landowner St John’s College Cambridge for a large-scale industrial and manufacturing park. This development, located south of the Metsä site and separated by the M62 motorway, will deliver over five million square feet of industrial space. Proposed units could range in size from 40,000 to one million square feet.

Both approvals are subject to planning conditions and final legal agreements.

Professor Neal Juster, Interim Chair of Humber Freeport, welcomed the decisions, describing them as pivotal for the Freeport’s momentum. “This is another very significant step forward for Humber Freeport, and for the two large-scale developments within our Goole tax site,” he said. “It adds to the powerful momentum behind the Freeport.”

Juster highlighted Goole’s appeal to investors, citing its strategic location and strong transport infrastructure. “We’re delighted to see Metsä Tissue and Wykeland Group secure planning permission for the tissue paper mill. It is an important investment not just for Goole, but for the wider region, boosting the Humber’s credentials as a hotbed for advanced, sustainable manufacturing,” he added.

The industrial park led by HBD and St John’s College is expected to attract a wide range of occupiers, with the planning consent enabling developers to respond to existing market interest.

Goole is one of three designated tax sites within the Humber Freeport, alongside Hull East and Able Humber Port near Immingham. The Goole site benefits from multimodal transport links via road, rail and sea, and is situated near existing operations by major firms including Siemens Mobility, Tesco and Guardian Glass.

Freeport tax sites offer a package of incentives to attract business investment, including enhanced capital allowances, reduced National Insurance contributions for employers, and stamp duty land tax relief.

The newly approved developments are seen as further confirmation of Humber Freeport’s role in driving inward investment, job creation, and sustainable industrial growth in the region.

The newly approved developments are seen as further confirmation of Humber Freeport’s role in driving inward investment, job creation, and sustainable industrial growth in the region.