Planning dilemma for fudge factory

Reporter: Ask Rossendale
Date online: 22/04/2008

After moving to Whitworth to allow for growth and increased employment opportunities, the award-winning Fudge Factory (previously located at New Line) has run into some Rossendale Council planning concerns.

Although the initial application to use the premises at the old James Brown Leather Market site in Facit were approved by the Council's development control committee, issues around car parking could result in a 21 day closure order, putting the future of the business in jeopardy.

Although the mill has been refurbished by the Fudge Factory and is open for business, the owners feel they have been left in limbo, not knowing what the outcome will be of this deferred decision.

The problem appears to be around the provision of sufficient car parking spaces, and meetings have been held between the owners of The Fudge Factory and officials from Rossendale Council, along with representatives of CLAW - the association that runs Whitworth Civic Hall, who may be making some spaces available.

Jean Edwards, on behalf of the company, was full of praise for the warmth of the reception by local people, and had over 260 applicatons for jobs. Other units in the building are also available to be leased, but everything has to be put on hold in the meantime.

Councillor Alan Neal said:" Members of the development control made it very clear they supported the application, and Whitworth Council is in favour of passing it."

A spokesman for Rossendale Council said that an objection had been received about the shortage of car parking, and they have been working with the applicant to resolve this. 

The council will be writing to them shortly to tell them the outcome of their planning application.