Plans to extend an ice cream factory in Paisley hit the sweet spot as the proposal was given the go ahead by Renfrewshire Council.
Award-winning G Porrelli and Co has scooped planning permission, subject to conditions, for the expansion of its site in Lacy Street.
It means the family-run business can push on with the project to create additional goods handling and cold storage space.
A planning statement submitted with the application explained: “The Porrelli site and the surrounding area of Paisley at Lacy Street and East Lane has been associated with food production for a considerable time with Porrelli operating from this location during this entire period.
“The objective is to continue to operate from the current site, whilst addressing the requirement to upgrade the existing factory accommodation. The alternative option would be for the business to seek to relocate to a new purpose built site.
“However, this [is] regarded as a last resort option given the time that G Porrelli and Co has operated from the current site, the investment in the current facilities and the long-standing association with this area of Paisley.”
The company manufactures luxury Italian style ice cream and supplies its goods to the catering trade, frozen wholesalers, cash and carries and multiple retailers.
It was established by Gerardo Porrelli in 1925 when he moved to Scotland from San Biagio in Italy. He settled in Paisley with his family and began to make ice cream using traditional recipes from his homeland. Dario Durante, great grandson of founder Gerardo, is the current managing director of the business.
A report of handling by the council’s chief planning officer said its status as an established employer in the area was an “important material consideration” in the decision.
It added: “The factory not only generates important employment for the area but also contributes to the history and identity of the area as a result of the long-standing presence of the applicant’s business at Lacy Street.
“The proposals, in potentially enabling the applicant to remain at Lacy Street and generate additional employment, are therefore favourable factors in this case.”
In its official decision notice, the local authority confirmed the proposal was in line with the provisions of the development plan.
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