Objections from Lynn paper mill competitor
A MARKET competitor is pushing forward with developing a case to challenge the decision to allow Palm Paper's £330 million mill to be built in Lynn.
Ecco Newsprint has permission to build a similar mill near Middlesborough and believes there is not enough work to sustain them both.
It now believes it has a case to object to the planning permission granted this week by West Norfolk Council through the courts and trap the plan in a lengthy judicial review process.
The firm instructed environmental consultants Enviros to make representations on the planning application and it believes the council has left too many environmental matters open to be dealt with through planning conditions rather than pinning them down before granting permission.
Enviros commercial director Paul Hatherley said: "Realistically it is a market place issue and I think our client has said there are not currently the contracts for both paper mills.
"It is something of national significance and the council really should have considered national issues.
"I commend them for getting the mill operators to look in the East of England for a site but they really ought to be on an equal playing field."
He added that his client had three months to make the legal challenge and was seeking legal advice in order to do it sooner rather than later.
Council leader Nick Daubney said: "It's the biggest investment in the East of England for easily more than a decade.
"I am absolutely confident we have followed all the correct procedures and the planning permission granted was sound.
"We have been aware of the objections of a rival company and I find it extraordinary the planning system can be used for commercial interests in this way but it apparently may be possible."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
