Planning approval landmark for distillery scheme 'vital'

A SENIOR councillor yesterday heralded a decision to approve plans to transform a redundant factory site into a major distillery as vital to the economic future of a North Yorkshire district.

Proposals for the re-development of the former Tate and Lyle site in Selby have been approved by district councillors, paving the way for the multi-million pound overhaul of the 32-acre site.

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.

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

Selby District Council has played a key role in the deal by acting as a facilitator and introducing senior officials from Sedacol to key decision makers.

The chairman of the council's economy board, Coun David Fagan, said, "Whilst final negotiations continue over the provision of new

playing field facilities, the support of the council's planning committee is an important milestone for this project.

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"We've been working alongside Sedacol UK to put these proposals together because we believe it's important to support businesses to invest in the Selby district, as this provides new jobs and new opportunities.

"This has the potential to benefit many more people than those directly employed by the firm, because local companies will have the chance to benefit from the construction and supply opportunities associated with this development."

Tate & 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.

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

The council's planning committee gave planning permission at a meeting on Wednesday last week, with final negotiations now continuing over the provision of playing field facilities in the area.