Glass firm's factory can continue

The company will now continue producing glass at its Cheshire site

One of the largest glass factories in Europe has been cleared to continue production after a planning row.

Quinn Glass, which employs 700 people in Elton, Cheshire, faced demolition after a court ruled its factory was built without proper consent.

Retrospective planning permission was granted by Cheshire West and Chester Council earlier in 2009.

Communities secretary John Denham has elected not to call in the decision, rubber-stamping the move.

Rival company Ardagh Glass, based in Ireland, had accused Quinn Glass of operating illegally because it has not been granted full planning permission for its factory extension.

In April, the High Court ruled that Cheshire West and Chester Council could decide whether to issue a closure notice or consider retrospective planning permission.

We are delighted that common sense has prevailed in the end Adrian Curry, Quinn Glass director

It opted for the latter, granting permission in September, but referred the decision to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Officials have now written to the council and the firm to confirm that Mr Denham would not call-in the decision.

Adrian Curry, a director of Quinn Glass, said it was "great news".

"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," said Mr Curry.

"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."

Council leader Mike Jones said he believed the result was a "victory for common sense".

"It hopefully will help save 600 jobs and provide basis for further employment in the Ellesmere Port and Chester area," he said.

"We will now progress to issuing formal planning permission, subject to a 106 agreement, which obliges the company to fulfil a number of environmental obligations."