PLANS for a controversial glass factory are set to be approved next week.

The Quinn Glass factory, at Elton, has been at the centre of legal wrangles since before it was completed in 2005.

In the latest twist, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s strategic planning committee is to receive a recommendation to approve an application for retrospective planning permission submitted by Quinn Glass Ltd, which employs more than 600 people at the bottle factory.

Quinn – which is currently facing an enforcement notice to cease operations and remove unauthorised buildings – has submitted an application covering all buildings and operations on site.

Competitor Ardagh Glass unsuccessfully challenged the council’s right to determine the planning application.

ŠThe High Court ruling backed the council’s stance, but Ardagh is seeking to overturn that ruling in the Court of Appeal.

The council said the outcome of this appeal may yet impact on any decision reached by the strategic planning committee.