A manufacturing firm's proposal to expand its Widnes site with a new storage facility is set to be approved.
Saffil, on Sullivan Road, specialises in the production and distribution of inorganic fibres designed for high-temperature use.
The business, which employs 70 people, currently leases warehouse space in Holywell, North Wales – but says the need to transport its products there prior to distribution is impeding efficiency and contributing to a larger carbon footprint.
Halton Council planning officials are due to convene shortly, with recommendations to approve the plans. If given the go-ahead, the new storage building would be operational for a minimum of 10 years.
According to a design and access statement: "This will provide a flexible and cost-effective solution allowing the company to meet its current operational needs without prejudicing any prospective development plans for this area of the site."
The proposed location for the new structure was previously home to a permanent warehouse, which was demolished in 2022 after being deemed unsafe by the company's insurer.
The statement further noted: "Since this point, the land has been clear and used for the external storage of wooden pallets and engineering parts but has not been suitable for storing finished goods."
The current site spans roughly 11 acres and was previously a part of the ICI Pilkington Sullivan Works, which has a history of chemical processing from the mid-19th Century right up to the close of the 20th century.
A report submitted to the committee, endorsing the approval, stated: "The proposed development would facilitate the retention and efficiency of an existing business in the borough."
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