A new £6million Home Bargains store that is set to create over 70 jobs has been welcomed as a catalyst for regeneration in an East Lancashire town.
The Hyndburn planning committee unanimously approved the discount retailer's latest venture on Heys Lane, Great Harwood, which will revitalise the site of an old gas storage works and feature a garden centre.
On the same day as the approval, the community faced the contrasting news of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies announcing the shutdown of its Ramsbottom Way factory in Great Harwood, resulting in 74 job losses.
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The upcoming Home Bargains outlet will occupy an irregularly shaped plot that was part of a disused gas storage facility, strategically situated near the intersection of Park Road and Heys Lane, just east of the town centre.
The site, acquired by the applicant in June 2021, had not been used since 2018. Directly across from the planned store is an existing Aldi supermarket, reports Lancs Live.
Councillor Stewart Eaves, Hyndburn Council's environment chief, said at the meeting: "This is good news. It really takes up what has been a blighted area for a lot of years."
Cllr Stephen Button of Altham ward added: "I am all in favour of this. It's a problematic piece of land and we were not sure what would go there."
Great Harwood's Overton ward Cllr Heather Anderson was enthusiastic about the development, saying: "I think this is a great proposal for Great Harwood. I think it's brilliant."
Miles Parkinson, the former leader of Hyndburn Council, attended the meeting to endorse the project, stating: "This is the final piece of the jigsaw for regenerating this part of Great Harwood and it should be welcomed as part of that vision."
Home Bargains' planning agent Alastair Skelton said: "This is a really good quality redevelopment scheme. The site has suffered from the negative aspects of dereliction for many years.
"The store will provide 2,323 square metres of floor space incorporating sales/display areas, storage facilities and staff areas with an open garden centre area of 932sqm."
The proposed car park will accommodate 150 vehicles, including dedicated spaces for disabled users and families. The store is expected to create approximately 70 to 80 jobs, with a significant portion being flexible or part-time roles.
Additionally, the approved planning permission comes with 26 stipulations and mandates a £40,050 contribution towards enhancing off-site biodiversity.
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