Cartwright Group 'may be forced to leave UK'

A leading trailer manufacturer says it may be forced to leave the UK after being refused planning permission to build a car park at its factory in Manchester.

John Cartwright, director at Altrincham-based Cartwright Group, says the company is "considering its options" after Trafford Council rejected plans for the 150-space development at its 50-acre site on the Broadheath industrial estate, on the basis that it would have had an impact on greenbelt land.

Cartwright adds that his firm could expand its bases at Northampton and Avonmouth, move to Wales, or even leave Britain for good if it continued to be "stifled with bureaucracy".

He is due to meet Altrincham MP Graham Brady and senior Trafford Council officials in the next few weeks in an attempt to resolve the issue.

"Although leaving the country would be an extreme measure and we hope it won't get to that stage, we are very unhappy with the planning system in this country," he says.

"In this instance we are looking at developing a small pocket of what is called greenbelt, but in an industrial area.

"Unlike Germany, this country does not seem to want to help successful and growing companies."

The family-run company employs 500 people and has just taken on an extra 80 staff due to high demand for its products.

Councillor Mike Cornes, from Trafford Council, says: "In this instance the planning application failed as it constitutes inappropriate development on greenbelt land and no special circumstances were presented to justify a departure from this well established national planning policy."

Jo Tanner, director of communications at the Freight Transport Association, says: "It is encouraging that companies involved in the beleaguered transport and logistics sector are looking to grow during such a severe economic downturn.

"We would hope councils would nurture and support any local business trying to increase their capacity or productivity, within reasonable bounds."

Jack Semple, head of policy at the Road Haulage Association, says: "The RHA is concerned about the future of UK manufacturing industry and that it is given all the reasonable help it can to prosper."