THE 700-strong workforce at Quinn Glass are celebrating after the Secretary of State decided planning permission for the Elton factory will stand without the government having the final say.
But rivals Ardagh Glass are still appealing a High Court decision which could potentially affect its future and says the Government decision may prompt further action.
In September, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s strategic planning committee backed Quinn’s retrospective application in the latest twist of a long-running saga.
But it was thought likely John Denham, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, would call in the scheme for a public inquiry given the development has been hotly contested by Ardagh, supported by about 70 locals.
Quinn Glass director Adrian Curry said: “We are delighted that common sense has prevailed in the end and that the Secretary of State has resolved to bring this planning issue to a final conclusion.”
He added: “We are also extremely grateful for the continued support and hard work of our 700-strong Elton workforce as well as the loyalty shown by our customers, suppliers and the local community – all of whom have contributed to the huge ongoing success of the operation.”
A spokesman for Ardagh said: “Ardagh Glass believes that the decision by the Secretary of State not to intervene in the planning application is unfortunate as there are serious flaws in the local authority’s decision-making which might have been resolved by a further planning inquiry.
“This may lead to further litigation in addition to the current appeal in relation to the decision of Mr Justice Mole.”
