A manufacturer of ice cream and ice cream mixes is one step closer in its bid to replace its existing mix processing plant in Walker Township.

The township’s planning commission previously approved the final land development plan for the Leiby’s Dairy new mix plant construction.

That was based upon approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection and Schuylkill Conservation District, along with the signing of an improvement agreement with the township for stormwater management.

The planners’ decision came after the township’s board of supervisors in September granted preliminary plan approval of the Leiby’s Dairy subdivision.

Leiby’s Dairy wants to replace its mix plant on the 19-acre property with a new mix plant. Access would still be on Mountain Road.

The expansion could increase their production out of the facility between 100 and 150 percent of what they currently do.

In May, Leiby’s Dairy was granted a special exception under a section of the ordinance to expand the existing nonconforming use of the property as an ice cream manufacturing plant.

The ice cream plant was built in 2000.