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McLaren's proposed expansion of its Woking production centre has divided public opinion.

The Formula 1 giant and supercar manufacturer wants to construct a new building, which would be "development of an applied technology centre of 57,000sq-m as an extension to the McLaren Production Centre".

Some groups such as the Horsell Common Preservation Society have expressed anger at not being consulted about the proposals while they were being drawn up.

The society's estate manager, Paul Rimmer, said McLaren had had agreed to keep the land which it now plans to build on as open countryside when it got permission for development in 1996.

However, some have said the firm should be allowed to grow and that people should be "proud" of McLaren "just as the Italians are proud about Ferrari".

First McLaren Technology Centre application Year McLaren first applied to build its Technology Centre 1995

But what does McLaren do at its site off the A320 on the outskirts of Woking town centre?

Well, the company is most well known for its Formula 1 team, with each car - including the new Honda-powered 2015 model - being constructed in Woking since the site opened in 2004.

But, McLaren has been involved in a little bit more than that:

Road cars

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2010)

McLaren 12C (2011)

McLaren 12C Spider (2012)

McLaren P1 (2013)

McLaren 650S Coupe (2014)

McLaren 650S Spider (2014)

Cycling

S-Works McLaren Tarmac bicycle

Specialized S-Works+McLaren Venge racing bike which Mark Cavendish used in the Tour de France

S-Works McLaren TT Helmet

Sensors in bike frames to monitor speed and power of cyclists

Number of people employed at McLaren 2,800 Number of people employed at McLaren in Woking

Winter sports

Rowing

McLaren developed a sensor that monitors rowers' performance

Healthcare

McLaren teamed up with GP surgery StowHealth and academics at University Campus Suffolk to help with a programme preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes

McLaren data system helped monitor four-year-old child with serious heart condition in Birmingham Children's Hospital

McLaren has worked with GlaxoSmithKline to help find more efficient ways to produce medicine and healthcare products and collect research

A baby incubation carrier to transport seriously ill babies

Electronics

McLaren Electronic Systems produced a large variety of electronic devices including alternators, temperature sensors and speed sensors and was the official supplier to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 2008-10 as well as the Indy Racing League, NASCAR and Moto GP

Energy

McLaren Applied Technologies has worked with Ekofisk to help guide decisions on drilling for oil in the North Sea

Air travel