A CAR parts maker aims to create more than 50 jobs in a factory extension.

Gestamp Tallent has revealed plans to increase its presence on Aycliffe Business Park, in County Durham.

The move comes after the firm last year announced a £12m expansion to make next generation chassis and suspension.

According to its proposals, the factory plan will add another 54 people to the company’s workforce, which already stands at more than 1,000 people across a number of buildings.

Bosses say an existing car parking area, off Howden Road, will make way for the extension.

Durham County Council is expected to make a decision on the changes by the middle of next month.

However, Alan Glenwright, the authority’s principal engineer in its highway, transport, regeneration and local services department, has asked for further details on Gestamp’s proposals, saying the potential loss of parking raises some worries.

He said: “The proposed extension would see the loss of 23 parking spaces.

“At the same time, the applicant confirms there will be an additional 54 staff.

“The loss of parking spaces would be the cause of some concern from a highways and traffic point of view, in relation to the potential adverse impact a lack of any additional on-site car parking may have on the existing public highway.”

If approved, the expansion will further add to Gestamp’s vast Aycliffe base, where, over the years, it has made parts for marques such as Sunderland-based Nissan, Bentley, Ford and Toyota.

Bosses previously spent millions on a press plant and press hall, parts store and racking, which Peter Gallone, plant director, said was proof of its commitment to Newton Aycliffe and the need to meet growing demand.

Speaking previously, he said: “As our business and customer base continues to expand, we need to ensure assembly lines and production facilities are renewed to increase efficiency and output.

“We’re contributing significantly to the local economy and it is part of my plan to open up to the local businesses and the local community.

“I want to help them understand what we do, in the hope we continue to attract local people as employees.”

Gestamp’s previous £12m announcement followed support from The European Investment Bank.

The bank provided backing for Newton Aycliffe trainbuilder Hitachi Rail Europe, to help production of its rolling stock for the East Coast Main Line, and backed Nissan’s venture to produce the all-electric Leaf hatchback on Wearside.