A MASSIVE multi-million pounds development, which could secure the long-term future of a major Forest of Dean business and 240 jobs there, would make Lydney Harbour ‘world famous’ if it goes ahead later this year.

Plans and proposals have been drawn up to move the Severn and Wye Smokery Ltd, whose headquarters are currently in Chaxhill, from its’ current plants around the UK to concentrate it all at Lydney Harbour.

And a summary of the application sent to the Forest of Dean District Council said substantial evidence gives ‘a compelling case in favour of the grant of planning permission’.

The scheme would see the company’s plants at Grimsby, Sailsbury and Walmore Hill closed down and their headquarters moved from Chaxhill.

It confirms the proposal which company owner Richard Cook threatened to withdraw and move the whole business to Grimsby at the latter end of 2018.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S FORESTER