Plans for a new processing plant which will preserve elements of the production of Colman's Mustard in Norfolk have been given the go-ahead.
An application from Condimentum Ltd to build a 20m milling tower at the Greater Norwich Food Enterprise Zone in Honingham has been unanimously supported by members of Broadland District Council's planning committee.
The scheme, which also includes six storage hopper silos, will allow mustard and mint production for the heritage brand to continue in Norfolk beyond the closure of Carrow Works in Norwich next year.
The proposals came after Unilever announced its intentions to follow Britvic out of the Norwich factory, with the committee delegating authority to the council's head of planning to approve the scheme,
A statement from Unilever read out at the meeting said: 'A key consideration for Unilever was to find a way we could protect the historic links between Colman's and Norwich and, well before Britvic's announcement, we had been discussing with mustard and mint growers in Norfolk how we could continue to work together in a different way.
'We are delighted that our growers, who have been working with Colman's for more than five generations, are creating the Condimentum business and, with Unilever, investing in a state-of-the-art mustard and mint milling facility to be based close to Norwich.'
Dave Martin, of Condimentum Ltd told the committee the development would create 25 jobs, while also safeguarding the long term future of the Colman's brand in Norfolk.
It came as the committee also gave the head of planning authority to approve two further schemes related to the enterprise zone - moderations to one of its access roads and an infiltration lagoon near the site.
The highway alterations, which will see Church Lane in the village widened and passing bays built into verges, was approved despite objections from Easton Parish Council.
Peter Milliken, chairman of the parish council, said he feared the alterations would impact crossing safety close to St Peter's Church.
However, committee members unanimously voted in favour of the changes, along with the use of land off Blind Lane as an infiltration lagoon to serve the enterprise zone.
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