Glass firms' row in appeal courts

The row between the two glass companies started in 2003

One of the largest glass factories in Europe is to take its rival to the Court of Appeal over a planning row.

If Ardagh Glass's legal action proves successful, then the Quinn Glass' plant in Ellesmere Port could be demolished in 12 months with the loss of 700 jobs.

The company has accused Quinn Glass of operating illegally because it has not been granted full planning permission for its factory extension.

However, Quinn's owners said they could apply for retrospective permission.

In April, the High Court ruled that Quinn Glass had been running its Ellesmere Port plant illegally, but left Cheshire West and Chester Council to decide whether to issue a closure notice or consider retrospective planning permission.

'Unlawful plant'

Ardagh, which is based in Ireland, is adamant that Quinn should not be allowed to apply for retrospective planning permission and the factory should be closed down as soon as possible.

It has now taken the matter to the Court of Appeal in a bid to get the High Court decision overturned.

Keith Swindell, Ardagh Glass finance director, said: "Since Quinn Glass began operating its unlawful plant in Elton, Ardagh Glass has shut-down or "mothballed" facilities with a loss of over 370 jobs."

A spokesman for Quinn Glass accused its rival company of continually "attempting to frustrate the planning process".

We're angry about the whole dispute - it's my future it's my wife's future and my kids' future. David Morgan, a Quinn Glass worker

He said: "Our plant is the most environmentally-friendly glass facility in Europe and is built on a brownfield site which was previously a coal-fired power station.

"The development has therefore greatly enhanced the environmental sustainability of the site from its previous use which we trust will be recognised in the final assessment."

The long-running feud has been going on since 2003.

Up to 700 workers at the plant said they feared they could lose their jobs.

David Morgan, who works at the Ellesmere Port factory, said: "We're making money - we're inundated with orders and it's sour grapes on Ardagh's side.

"We're angry about the whole dispute - it's my future it's my wife's future and my kids' future."

The matter of allowing retrospective permission will be considered the Court of Appeal, which will return with a verdict in August.