UP to 450 new jobs could be created in Earby after fresh moves emerged this week to develop a business park there.

Skipton-based development company J N Bentley has applied for outline planning permission to develop the 6.66 hectare site to the rear of Wardle Storey's Grove Mill factory.

The land has been earmarked for industrial use for over 50 years, but with increasing demand for new industrial development land throughout Pendle, it could finally be brought into use.

That demand has grown since the linking of the M65 motorway, which starts in Colne, with the M6 at Preston. Industrial estates along the M65 corridor are now virtually saturated, with planners looking for new sites for businesses keen to set up in the area.

The so-called Earby Business Park was again highlighted in Pendle Council's latest efforts to designate industrial sites for development throughout the borough.

According to the outline planning application submitted to the council, the development would provide space for general industry and could create up to 400 shopfloor and 50 office jobs.

It would also mean a new access road to the development site from the A56 near the Punch Bowl hotel.

Plans for that road have been drawn up in the past and it came close to reality four years ago as part of the Earby Go! initiative, designed to breathe new life into the town.

Unfortunately, the scheme was shelved due to a shortfall in funding.

Building the new road would also relieve existing traffic problems in Earby by removing heavy traffic going to and from Wardle Storeys, particularly off School Lane.

The application to develop the site and build the new access is due to be considered by Pendle Council's West Craven Area Committee at its meeting on October 5.

The land is currently owned by Wardle Storey's, but if the scheme goes ahead it is expected that Pendle Council would acquire the site and manage the business park once completed.

Earby Ward councillor Doris Haigh has already welcomed the move, commenting: "It's something that we've been waiting for for a very long time."

She stressed that as well as bringing new jobs and opportunities to the town, it would also alleviate existing and longstanding traffic problems.

"With the creation of the business park there has to be an access road, and that will alleviate a lot of problems with wagons which go towards Wardle Storeys, particularly in the School Lane area."

Coun Haigh predicted that the outline application, which only seeks permission in principle for the development, would be welcomed by the area committee. A full and detailed application would still need to be passed before any building work was begun.

"I think it will be quite straightforward, although we will have to wait and see," said Coun Haigh.

"Then it's up to the developer to get on with the job."

* When Earby Parish Council met on Tuesday, members there also welcomed the move, saying the possibility of new jobs was good news for the town.

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