Ashfield District Council decided last Thursday (28 November) that building of the 52,000m2 factory could start. But it laid down 18 separate conditions, including the submission of a "green" travel plan and the construction of an "art feature" such as a statue, because of the plant's prominent location next to the A38.

The council said the development at a "gateway" site to the district could "only enhance and promote economic development in this locality".

It also highlighted the need for energy reduction and said Howitt should consider building a combined heat and power plant.

Howitt still needs a permit from the council's environmental health department before it can start production, but construction could begin next spring.

The company is still declining to issue any further comment on its gravure plans, leading to continued speculation regarding the source of the funding for the project.