More than 400 jobs are set to be created after plans to create a large new paper mill in Deeside were given the green light.

Italian company Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti Group (ICT) submitted proposals in November last year for a 124,000 square metre paper mill at the Northern Gateway site near Garden City.

The firm said the move to redevelop part of the former RAF Sealand site would provide a multi-million pound boost to the area's economy and help to reduce poverty.

The scheme was considered at a meeting of Flintshire Council's planning committee this afternoon (Wednesday, 30 March) after being recommended for approval by officers.

The plans were backed after members were told the development would deliver major benefits.

Speaking at the virtual meeting, cabinet member for economic development Derek Butler said he was glad to see the gateway scheme moving forward.

He said: “It’s very pleasing after the many years we've been working on this area and its development.

“It shows that Flintshire is a place where major employers want to come and set up home.

“It's an endorsement of the people of Flintshire who are adaptable in their skills base.

“It also gives a further opportunity and a confidence boost to the economy of Flintshire.”

The mill, based on a 50 acre site, will produce paper products such as toilet rolls, kitchen towels and napkins for the UK and Irish markets.

The Welsh Government provided £5m towards the facility as part of a larger investment last March to move the development of the gateway site forward.

Local councillor Christine Jones said some concerns had been raised in the community about the risk of flooding and the impact of the plans on the area's road network.

However, although she asked for assurances over air quality monitoring, she said most of the issues had been addressed and no objections were received ahead of the meeting.

Cllr Chris Bithell, cabinet member for planning, said: “I think our concerns have been allayed and we welcome this particular development, bringing 400 full time jobs to the area.

“It will help us to achieve a major objective in the development of this mixed strategic site in Flintshire at the Northern Gateway.”

The proposals were unanimously backed by committee members at the end of the discussion.

The company previously indicated that construction of the new facility would begin this year if the application was approved.