Sonae wins planning but criticises ‘disappointing’ process

CHIPBOARD manufacturer Sonae Industria has won planning permission for a new building at its Knowsley plant.

But management, who blame planning delays for “reduced and unsustainable capacity levels”, are now consulting 200 staff on the proposed closure of the factory.

The site was damaged by fire last year and the application was part of a £25m rebuilding plan.

In 2010 two workers died, and these events led local MP George Howarth to table a motion in the House of Commons calling for the plant’s closure.

Nigel Graham, managing director, Sonae Industria (UK) Ltd said: “It is disappointing that a number of councillors saw fit to reject our proposals, despite a clear recommendation to grant planning permission from council officers.

“It is also sad and frustrating that the local MP has been campaigning for our closure and publicly calling for objections against this application.

“This has wasted resource on both sides and has been a contributing factor to our group losing its confidence in continuing to operate in Knowsley. The decision will do little to change the current situation we face.”