A £40 million dairy production plant potentially creating up to 600 jobs in Telford has secured the backing of council planning chiefs.The first phase of the development by Austrian firm NOM Dairy UK, at Donnington Wood Business Park, would see up to 100 jobs provided.
The firm, which supplies leading supermarkets such as Asda, Aldi, Tesco and Netto, would make products like yoghurts and yoghurt drinks at the site.
The application was approved at a meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council’s plans board yesterday.
The permission would be subject to a legal agreement for £44,000 to be paid towards highway junction improvements, which the applicant is willing to do, and a string of conditions.
When the bid was first lodged with the council, planning consultants for the proposal said the application amounted to a £40 million investment by the firm.
The former mine working area off Granville Court, Donnington, is currently owned by English Partnerships.
The production factory and administration base would be Nom’s first in the UK as more retailers move to reduce their carbon footprint.
Councillor Liz Clare said the land had been earmarked for industrial use for many years.
She said: “It’s really good news and if it can expand over the next four or five years it will not only be 100 jobs, it will be four-fold.”
Councillor Gill Green said she welcomed the employment opportunities, but was concerned about traffic going along smaller roads.
Councillor Ian Fletcher, board chairman, said: “I think it’s a good news story bringing jobs to the area.”
A second phase is also planned, which would see expansion of the operation and the creation of an extra 500 jobs.
A report to the meeting said one letter of objection was received about the amount of traffic.
They also said it was a shame to see the site developed as it was good for dog walking and was a haven for wildlife.
Moves are also being made to protect a habitat used by the Dingy Skipper butterfly at the site.
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