A CHESHIRE company says it will appeal against a council order demanding it cease production at its factory within nine months – putting 500 jobs at risk.
Quinn Glass, which owns the bottlemaking, filling and distribution plant at Elton, near Chester, was served with the order by Cheshire West and Chester Council yesterday morning.
It followed a legal case brought by a competitor because part of the site was built without planning permission.
A statement released by Quinn Glass confirmed they would be appealing against the notice, due to take effect on May 29.
The company’s statement said: "The enforcement notice was issued by Cheshire West and Chester Council by way of protecting their regulatory powers under the four-year immunity rule.
"However, Quinn Glass will be appealing this in view of the fact that a comprehensive planning application has already been with the local authorities since January, 2008."
The company said consideration of the planning application had been delayed by the legal challenge brought by competitor Ardagh, and follows a long-running legal battle. Earlier this month, a High Court judge ordered that the local authority issue the enforcement notice. The High Court hearing was sought by Ardagh which wanted action against the plant.
