Approval expected in £1m plans for glass factory

Plans to expand a glass factory at a cost of £1m are set to be approved.

RBD Glass Ltd in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has applied to extend its site to house new machinery and a car park with 22 spaces.

The firm employs 20 people, manufacturing replacement double glazing units, mirrors and toughened glass which it sells across Norfolk and Suffolk.

A report recommends that borough councillors approve the plans, subject to conditions being met, including vehicle access and the management of surface water.

The proposals will see a 35.3m x 22.8m (116ft x 75ft) extension added to the existing factory in South Beach Road.

Ian Driver, director of the family-owned firm, said the company had been planning the expansion for "about seven or eight years".

"We're talking about investing in the region of a million pounds," he said.

"The machinery will improve efficiency of the factory and improve production."

But he said concerns about increased costs – including energy and higher business rates – meant there were no current plans to expand the workforce.

Councillors are due to discuss the plans on Wednesday.

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