These new images show what a multi-million business and recreation park creating 2,000 jobs could look like.
Developers have now formally submitted plans to Hyndburn Council for the scheme next to junction 6 of the M65 motorway.
The Observer reported earlier this year how proposals were being drawn up to transform the 85-acre agricultural site into a new mixed-use employment zone, including a pub or restaurant, hotel, hot food takeaway, petrol station and industrial units.
Commercial property developers Praxis said they are hoping to create ‘the largest future employment site in Lancashire’.
If approved, work could start as soon as October this year with the first buildings being occupied by 2017 and the whole site completed by 2021.
Up to 2,000 permanent jobs are expected to be created including more than 400 office-based roles and an extra 200 temporary construction jobs.
However documents sent to the council by agents Ancer Spa Ltd reveal that a ‘majority’ of residents on the south side of the site ‘raised concerns’ about the plans.
It follows a public consultation day at The Red Lion in February attended by 125 people where 15 out of 19 response forms were negative.
Ancer Spa said that while local businesses were ‘generally very positive’, residents to the south of the site raised concerns about the scheme including loss of farmland, traffic congestion, noise and light pollution and property devaluations.
Feedback from other residents in favour of the scheme said it would create jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities and attract investment.
Ancer Spar said amendments have been made to the scheme following the comments to ‘address some of the concerns raised’. Development contributions, or section 106 monies, would also be provided to off-set ‘significant transport demand’.
Ancer Spar said: “There are few other similar opportunities in the local area and indeed the surrounding sub-region and it is vital that such investment is not lost to the area.” Hyndburn Council leader Miles Parkinson said the application is ‘very good news’.
He said: “It is very important that we get well-paid jobs into Hyndburn and getting that local income into our town centres.”
