Teams of lawyers turned up when Chester councillors received an update on moves to resolve the long running controversy surrounding the Quinn Glass plant at Ince in north-west England, which still doe…
Teams of lawyers turned up when Chester councillors received an update on moves to resolve the long running controversy surrounding the Quinn Glass plant at Ince in north-west England, which still does not have planning permission. The solicitors, including representatives of Quinn competitors Ardagh Glass, listened closely to a meeting of Chester“s planning board. One possibility is enforcement action against the development on the former Ince power station site which is being sought by Ardagh Glass. The plant, which employs a workforce of several hundred to manufacture, fill and distribute glass bottles, does not have planning permission. A fresh application by the company is to go before city councillors on 18 February 2009 according to the report. Chester“s development co-ordination manager, Brian Hughes, said that lawyers DLA Piper, acting for Ardagh Glass, are considering the possibility of a judicial review. The council has “responded fully” to a pre-action letter from DLA Piper says Mr Hughes. It has now emerged that the period during which enforcement action can be taken extends into late autumn 2009. The company submitted the new application earlier in 2008. “This application is extremely complex and is being subjected to a rigorous examination”, said Mr Hughes. On the possibility of enforcement, he believes it is “unsatisfactory” that the plant is operating without permission. Mr Hughes recommended the board to note the new November 2009 deadline for any enforcement action and to agree that no steps should be taken at present. This was agreed by councillors.