A NORTH Somerset business has been granted permission to extend its premises, in a move which it hopes will create hundreds of jobs in the process.

Yatton-based Smart Systems Ltd, which makes aluminium glazing systems, has been given planning permission by North Somerset Council to add a fourth phase of development to its plant.

Smart employs 370 people but hopes to extend its workforce to about 550-600 people by expanding its site in Arnolds Way.

The company’s first phase of development saw it move from two separate sites, in Arnolds Way and North End Road, to a purpose-built base in Arnolds Way, from which it has operated for more than 10 years.

Its phase two extension in 2007 caused the company’s workforce to grow to 200 employees and the company was given planning permission to build a third phase in 2014. It is this third sector which will be extended by the latest round of works.

A spokesman for Smart said the phase three development was nearing completion and would increase the company’s output by about 50 per cent.

The spokesman said: “We are delighted permission has been granted for the next phase of our site development programme.

“Once commissioned, this facility will add around 50 per cent to the company’s overall manufacturing capacity, delivering a significant increase in capacity to meet the growing demand for its systems from architects, contractors, fabricators and installers from across the country.

“The expansion programme will also ultimately double the company’s existing workforce, with more than 200 permanent jobs being created.”

Smart also has planning permission to build two wind turbines – which were met with fierce opposition from some villagers – as part of its extension programme.

The second of these turbines will be moved closer to Wemberham Lane to accommodate the fourth phase and no houses will be within 200 metres of it.

The spokesman said: “Work has not yet started on the installation of the wind turbines, although it is expected that both turbines will be commissioned and operational within the next six months.”

Smart Systems has grown to a company with an £80million turnover, and its products are used in building projects across the UK.