The Apsley Paper Trail has moved a stage further to becoming an industry showcase visitor attraction after submitting its planning application for approval by Dacorum Borough Council (PrintWeek, 24 August).

The application, put forward on 6 November, could see approval for the building of the visitor centre by January 2002.

Apsley Paper Trail chairman Peter Ingram said an Environmental Action Fund (EAF) grant had also been applied for, which could see the registered charity gain up to 750,000 toward the project.

"As far as I am aware we are the first representatives from the paper industry to apply for such a grant," he said.

The centre will be built using sustainable development methods and will be turned into a 100% sustainably managed site. It will be built in the shape of a folded piece of paper and, in keeping with the paper theme, will use cardboard in the building of some of the mezzanine flooring within the exhibition areas. Wood from sustainably managed sources will also be used.

The announcement of the planning and funding applications coincided with the publication of the Paper Trail's summary business plan, prepared by Grant Leisure.

The model of the site, sponsored by Tullis Russell, was unveiled at last month's Papex exhibition in Manchester.

The EAF is funded by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and was set up to help voluntary groups advance the government's environmental policies through work in England.

Story by Andy Scott