Future of UK bottle plant under scrutiny

The future of a Quinn Glass manufacturing and bottling plant located on the outskirts of Chester, UK, could be considered by local councillors this month.

The plant at Ince, at which 560 people are employed, has been in production since spring 2005 although it does not have planning permission. Approval for the plant was reportedly rejected by Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears, who raised concerns following an inquiry. Her decision proposed that a fresh application with a comprehensive approach may be the best option for the plant.

This decision has been challenged by Quinn Glass in the High Court, while competitors and a small number of local residents have reportedly called for enforcement action. The company put forward a new application in February this year and competitor Ardagh Glass has reportedly asked that this should also be called in.

Borough Planning Chief Tom Mioller said of the application: “Under the circumstances, it is not possible to say exactly when the application is to be reported to planning committee for consideration but it is likely to be December.” He added that the report will consider how the company has dealt with the concerns raised by Mrs Blears in her previous decision.