Factory job fears put site plans on hold
The North Blackpool Framework Plan was put on hold two weeks ago after fears were raised for the future of more than 120 jobs at the Dulux paint factory.
A decision on the ambitious city council plan has now been pushed back until early in the New Year.
It includes proposals for major rezoning of land in the area including the 33-acre Sunbeam Industrial Estate.
Fears were raised two weeks ago that the proposed rezonings could jeopardise the future of Dulux jobs.
Councillors agreed to defer a discussion and a vote on whether to adopt the plan to give the workers time to speak to management about the future of the plant.
City manager Joe Gavin also gave assurances at the time that Dulux management had indicated to him that they had no intention of changing their employment position in Cork.
The plan was up for discussion again on Monday night but Mr Gavin revealed that he had received “correspondence” earlier in the day.
He also said the situation had “taken a wrong turn” and that it would be better to allow some time for things to “settle down” and become “clearer”.
He was asked, but declined, to reveal the detail of the correspondence but he said a council discussion on the plan could be pushed back until early next year.
It is expected the issue will be debated either next February or March.
However, Cllr Mick Barry said there couldn’t be a full debate on the issue until city planners met with Dulux management and workers.
The North Blackpool Framework plan envisages the creation of a residential and commercial hub extending from the Blackpool shopping centre and retail park right up to the Dulux plant and including the Sunbeam site.
The land in the plan is owned by a number of private individuals.
The plan includes hundreds of apartments in buildings up to five-storeys high, new homes with a density of up to 50-75 dwellings per hectare, shops, a hotel and offices.
A massive fire engulfed the estate on September 23, 2003, destroying the Refond textiles plant and many business units.
