Alnwick butcher submits plans for sausage processing plant

Turnbull’s has submitted a planning application to open a sausage processing plant on the Lionheart Enterprise Park.

Its application proposes internal alterations to the unit formerly used by Tustain Motors for the repair of automotive body panels.

Planning consultant Michael Rathbone, in a report submitted to Northumberland County Council, states: “The alterations will provide for new facilities for the local well know butchers Turnbull’s, whose award winning sausages are renowned throughout Northumberland.

"Due to their popularity, it has been decided to provide stand alone facilities to enable the full production of their sausage brands within a purpose made facility.

“This will involve the full process of sausage making from the processing of meat, to the cooking and packing of their products, along with distribution to their existing premises in Alnwick Market Square and Northumbrian Food Hall within Alnwick Retail Park.”

The report also reveals that the new facilities ‘will provide additional working spaces and increased plant and production and is envisaged that three additional full time staff will be required as well as the retention of two existing staff members’.

It adds: “Operations are to be carried out within existing facilities within Alnwick and on a site designated as industrial use only.

“The proposal is to relocate an existing operation to a more suitable location and premises to cater for the expanding part of the existing butchers business.

“The proposal is retained within Alnwick and in a sustainable location and will also provide for additional employment.”

One of Alnwick’s longest-established family businesses, Turnbull’s was founded by Murdie Turnbull in 1880, who passed it on to his son Bobby, followed by his three sons Roger, Peter and John. John’s son Mark, the great grandson of the founder, now owns and runs the business with his son Daniel.

Meanwhile, the company’s popular annual Sausage Week returns from Friday, October 27.

The butchery team, led by Dan Turnbull and Peter McEwan will be creating over 20 varieties using Northumbrian pork, lamb, beef and venison.

‘We’ve got an incredible line up of sausages as we celebrate the great British Banger,’ they posted on Facebook.