DUDLEY planners have approved a new food processing factory in Netherton which promises a jobs boost for the region.

The development, on a currently vacant site on Northfield Road, will create around ten news jobs for HBS Foods Ltd when the company moves from its current home on Halesowen Road, Dudley.

Members of Dudley’s development control committee approved a plan for the construction of two new units.

The company, which produces nut-based food products, has outgrown its current factory and had expressed fears it may have to relocate outside the region if a suitable location could not be found in the Black Country.

Committee member, Cllr Christine Perks, said: “If there is going to be a new modern factory on the site that is much better than what is there now.”

The decision was welcomed by company director Graham Hopcraft, who said: “I am very pleased, we wanted a better place so we can continue what we do.”

At the same meeting, on June 9, planners also approved an extension for Dudley’s cemetery.

Around 400 new burial and cremation slots will be created on open land at Clee Road opposite the current cemetery site near the town centre.