WORKERS who lost their jobs a year ago when clothing manufacturer Gossard closed a factory could be out of work again because of a planning row.

James Meller, (pictured) managing director of AJM Sewing, fears he may be forced to close his business after failing to get "change of use" planning permission from Caerphilly council.

AJM Sewing, based in the former office of MEP Glenys Kinnock in Bridge View, Cwmfelinfach, has just celebrated its first anniversary.

The 14-strong all-women workforce, most of whom used to work for Gossard at their plant in Woodfieldside, Blackwood, turn out around 500 exclusive, high quality pieces of underwear each week.

Mr Meller said: "When we started we didn't get planning permission because it started so quickly. Once we were up and running we got in touch with the local council and applied for change of use. That was refused."

Mr Meller said the council had recently agreed to a period of grace, which means he will have to be out by next January. But he said if the planning committee's decision is enforced it may not be financially viable to move from the family-owned building. Mr Meller has written to the planning department of the council asking for an official to visit the site.

He said: "The manufacturing process we carry out is highly skilled and does not involve large quantities of materials. We assemble the garments at the design/concept stage for the sales force, not for the retail trade. Most of the garments come in boxes or bags and are delivered and taken away by car. Very rarely larger quantities are delivered by van, usually on a Saturday morning."

Car parking, he said, is not a problem as the employees' vehicles are parked in a public car park. He also said no adverse reactions have come to his notice about the running or nature of the business. Mr Meller said he had lodged an appeal against the council's decision.

A council spokesman said Mr Meller was free to use the appeals process. A decision would be made in due course.