A GLASS container factory has been given more time to install a rail terminal, despite breaking a planning condition requiring it to be operational by last November.
Quinn Glass agreed to the condition when its Elton plant, which opened in 2005, gained retrospective planning consent in November 2009 and the rail head was supposed to be operational within two years.
It aimed to encourage a shift away from road-based transport and promote environmental quality.
Cheshire West and Chester Council spokeswoman Rachel Ashley said: “We are in dialogue with Quinn Glass over the delays it has encountered in bringing forward a rail head at its Elton site.
“Planning applications for this scheme are now active and we understand that the company is in ongoing negotiations with Network Rail. We are satisfied that the company is making progress towards delivering the rail head and consequently enforcement action would not be appropriate at this time.”
Quinn Glass says it is committed to delivering the rail head and has already invested £500,000 to cover costs such as design work and planning, ecological and environmental surveys, land clearing and groundwork.
A company spokeswoman said: “Following additional demands placed on us by Network Rail in recent months and the Environment Agency’s decision to switch off the Frodsham Marshes pumping stations – both of which have caused major disruption to our plans – Cheshire West and Chester City Council have approved, in principle, the extension of the period for project delivery until terms are agreed by all interested parties.
“Our consultants are currently in discussion with Network Rail and are seeking to forge ahead with the project as soon as is feasible. In the meantime, we will continue to transport all flint sand used in our manufacturing process (in excess of 150,000 tonnes per annum) by train to Ellesmere Port, significantly reducing our dependence on the road network.”
