Green light for two major projects in East Yorkshire
Plans include the UK’s largest tissue paper mill and a new industrial and manufacturing park
Last updated 19th Sep 2025
Two major developments have been given the go-ahead at the Goole tax site within Humber Freeport.
Plans include the UK’s largest tissue paper mill and a new industrial and manufacturing park, with both projects expected to create hundreds of jobs and boost investment in the region.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Planning Committee has granted full planning permission to Finnish manufacturer Metsä Tissue and commercial property developer Wykeland Group to create the developments.
Metsä Tissue’s new mill will eventually cover around three million square feet and support up to four hundred direct jobs, making a big dent in the UK’s demand for tissue products.
Across the M62, outline permission has been granted for an industrial park that could see buildings as large as one million square feet.
Both projects are expected to offer supply chain opportunities and bring further investment to Goole and the Humber region.
The planning approvals are subject to conditions and the signing of legal agreements.
"significant step forward"
Professor Neal Juster, Interim Chair of Humber Freeport, said: “This is another very significant step forward for Humber Freeport, and for the two large-scale developments within our Goole tax site. It adds to the powerful momentum behind the Freeport.
“For Goole, it is further recognition of the strength of the investment proposition in the town.
"Its strategic location, connectivity and infrastructure make it an ideal location to invest, creating high-quality direct employment and supply chain opportunities.
“We’re delighted to see Metsä Tissue and Wykeland Group secure planning permission for the tissue paper mill.
"It is an important investment not just for Goole, but for the wider region, boosting the Humber’s credentials as a hotbed for advanced, sustainable manufacturing.
“A further economic uplift will be created by HBD and St John’s College Cambridge’s industrial and manufacturing park.
"Outline permission for this industrial cluster will enable the developers to market specific opportunities and take forward the strong pipeline of enquiries for the site.”