Chipboard plant expansion backed

Egger UK employs about 400 people at Hexham in Northumberland

Controversial proposals to extend one of Tynedale's biggest factories have been approved by councillors, despite some objections from residents.

Egger said the expansion of its site at Hexham would lead to about 45 additional jobs. The company already employs 400 people.

Northumberland County Council backed the plans at a meeting on Thursday.

Objectors said the expansion would be an intrusion into green belt land and lead to more noise and traffic.

But councillors said the company was an important employer in the area and the expansion would benefit the community.

The firm wants to extend on to land east of the factory, which is one of the most prominent in the Tyne Valley.

It said the proposed new building would house three production lines that would process laminated chipboard for kitchen doors and worktops.