Fire-damaged factory rebuild gets green light

The fresh goat’s cheese producer vowed to “come back better and stronger” as it prepared to replace fire-damaged buildings on its manufacturing site in Blaenavon, south east Wales.

Torfaen County Borough Council’s planning committee approved the plans during a meeting on Tuesday (December 15), more than five months after the fire on July 5.

‘Up and running’ by May 2016

Abergavenny Fine Foods md Melanie Bowman said the firm can now move forward with its “ambitious plans” for the site on the Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate.

“We are now confident of having the main part of our operation up and running in the new facility by May 2016,” Bowman said.

“We will continue to build for the future, with space set aside for expansion, and we hope to be fully operational by autumn 2016 in this new site.”

The company is looking at innovation and new methods of production, together with food equipment manufacturers and its construction company TSL Projects.

Abergavenny Fine Foods aims to create an “efficient and environmentally-sound factory”, which includes offices, a new canteen and customer tasting suites.

‘Difficult period for the company’

“Once again, I would like to place on record my thanks to our staff and customers for their continued support and understanding during what has been a difficult period for the company,” Bowman said.

“We are totally confident that Abergavenny Fine Foods will come back even better and stronger.”

The cause of the fire remains “undetermined”, according to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Council planning officers recommended approval of the plans despite an objection from the Coal Authority due to a mine entrance on the site.

Abergavenny Fine Foods claimed to be the UK’s largest producer of fresh goat’s cheese.

Established in 1987 as a small farming enterprise by husband and wife team Anthony and Pam Craske, the firm grew annual turnover significantly to £17.2M in the year to March 31 2014.