RBLI submits plans for permission to build a new Kent factory

Royal British Legion Industries, the national charity supporting Armed Forces veterans and people with disabilities, has submitted a planning application for a new factory at Aylesford in Kent.

The charity is looking to replace its current outdated factory, home to Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) – one of its social enterprises – which employs veterans overcoming life-changing injuries.  Its award-winning Lifeworks team, which helps get veterans back into employment UK wide, is also based there.

The proposals also include a training and conference centre, a hands-on skills academy for veterans, and the replacement of the charity’s existing 1970s offices, at a total cost of £12.5m. Fundraising has so far secured £9m towards the target.

If approved, the new buildings could enable RBLI to recruit a further 80 people, adding to the 158 already employed at Aylesford. The new buildings would be developed on land owned by RBLI next to the M20, adjacent to the current factory and head office.

Lisa Farmer OBE, RBLI’s Chief Executive, said: “The response to the public consultation we held earlier this year was overwhelmingly positive with 93% of respondents being supportive.

“When we asked about the site’s location, adjacent to the M20 with its good motorway connections, 53% of respondents strongly agreed a further 40% agreed that it was an excellent location for the work of RBLI.”

“The current factory, which has a limited lifespan and is very expensive to maintain, is not an ideal working environment for veterans with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. Bringing the existing buildings up to modern manufacturing environmental standards would cost more than the new building and risk losing major contracts due to the disruption to the current factory’s operations.”

The proposed 68,000ft² purpose-built facility would replace the current 1970s buildings, including the factory, warehousing and office space. The factory would continue to produce road and track side signs for the road and rail industry, as well as high quality commercial and point of sale signage for retail. Veterans also carry out engineering, assembly, printing, mailing and distribution.

The proposed new energy efficient factory would improve productivity and provide the prospect of BBMC securing larger contracts from companies demanding higher environmental credentials.

The planning application will now be considered by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and the public can give their views via:  https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/planning-applications-appeals/planning-view-comment-planning-applications with a planning application reference: 25/00382/PA. Further information on the project can be found at www.rbli.co.uk/factory.