THE Ryedale packaging company which owns York City FC has won approval for £1 million-plus expansion plans which could create new jobs.

Proposals by Malton-based J M Packaging Ltd for new offices and warehouse space at the town’s Enterprise Park site, in York Road, were given the go-ahead by Ryedale District Council this week.

The firm – whose managing director, Jason McGill, is York City’s chairman, while general manager Sophie Hicks is also the club’s communications director – has rented its current premises at York Road Industrial Estate in Malton for more than 15 years.

It hopes to move into its new base this August, saying the scheme will double the company’s existing office and warehouse capacity.

Mr McGill said: “We are delighted the council unanimously approved our plans, as we are a company which is looking to expand and which is committed to doing this in Malton.

“We now feel it is the right time to develop our own purpose-built offices and warehousing. Malton is a great place to base a business and we have a superb team of staff from the town, as well as Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and York.

We hope to grow our business and employ more people from the local area, which is very positive in the present economic climate.”

The project will be carried out by Harrison Development LLP, which is also based in Malton.

Its spokesman, Sean Harrison, said: “We are delighted to be working with a forward-thinking business committed to investing in Malton and we anticipate J M Packaging will be the first occupier on our new Enterprise Park site.

"This development is good news for Malton and the local construction industry. The new offices will reflect the planners’ ambitions for future business premises on the Enterprise Park site, with a modern, innovative look.”

Last week The Press revealed how J M Packaging had covered City’s expected £467,000 operating loss for the 2011/12 season, with the money being loaned on an interest-free basis to be repaid when City move to their new community stadium.

The firm’s existing premises will become available for other businesses when it leaves.