BERLIN, July 4 (Reuters) – Environmental authorities in the German state of Brandenburg, where Tesla has its gigafactory, have approved the U.S. electric vehicle maker’s application to expand its Gruenheide plant, another hurdle cleared in the carmaker’s growth plans.

The approval initially allows Tesla to set up an asphalted logistics area for new vehicles, as well as stairwells on its pressing plant and an access guard, the authorities said.

Tesla was not immediately available for comment.