Distillery scheme 'under way within year'

The long-awaited re-development of the former Tate and Lyle site in Selby has now moved a major step towards becoming a reality after councillors on Selby District Council approved full planning permission.

Sedacol, which produces grain alcohol for brands like Bacardi and Pernod, submitted blueprints to re-develop the former factory in a scheme that is expected to create up to 50 permanent jobs and a further 300 posts in the wider economy.

The company, a leading producer of starch, starch sweeteners, alcohol and proteins, is hoping to build a new plant to create distilled alcohol for sale across Britain.

The new plant would become part of a Europe-wide network, with links to operations in Italy, Belgium, France and Spain.

Mario Frandino, from Sedacol UK Limited, said: "Now we've got final planning permission we can push ahead with this project.

"Enabling works are ongoing and we hope the main construction will begin by the end of this month, with a view to opening the new plant within a year."

Tate and Lyle announced in 2007 that it was shedding 100 jobs from the factory. It blamed competition from China and European Union red tape for the decision to shut down the operation.

The planned re-development also means that the fermentation equipment on the site could be put to use once again.

As part of the deal, money will be invested in developing new sports field and community facilities at Selby College.

Council leader Mark Crane said: "One of our priorities this year is to work with our partners to secure the economic recovery of our community – it's schemes like this that deliver real jobs and real opportunities for our residents."