An application to demolish part of an industrial unit and rebuild it with a new employment block and extra car parking spaces has been approved by the council.

In September, Paul Hirst of Filtrox Carlson Ltd submitted plans to Pendle Council for the demolition of existing structures and the erection of an infill extension over two floors, a new block for employment use and associated works including parking, landscaping and boundary works for Butts Mill, The Butts, Barnoldswick.

The application site relates to an existing commercial operation which has operated from the site since the 1950s.

The site covers 1.6 hectares and includes various buildings which have been added to over time as the nature of the business expanded and changed.

The application site is adjacent to three conservation areas (Cornmill and Valley Gardens, Barnoldswick and Calf Hall and Gillians) which bound the site to the west, south and east sides.

Plans lodged with the council proposed to demolish some older buildings on the site and replace them with new ones.

The net additional floor space would be 1,430 sqm.

The proposal would result in a new layout with more space created to store the products for onward distribution.

At the same time, this would result in an increase in the number of staff which the facility is able to employ (an increase of 49 full time jobs and an additional 20 jobs elsewhere in the local supply chain), along with the associated increase in number of car parking spaces and cycle shelters.

Currently there are 26 car parking spaces on site, with an additional 31 to be created. There will be four disabled bays, two electric vehicle charging points, three bays for motorcycles and 10 cycle spaces.

Five letters were received by the council from local residents who raised concerns regarding the heritage impact, increase in traffic, impact upon an unsafe bridge in Butts with additional lorries, and concern over a nearby play park.

There were also issued raised with the water course running under the site, the need for additional landscaping, air pollution, the impact upon neighbouring amenities, and concerns regarding a pipe from an individual property under the application site.

Residents also highlighted that should the plans be approved, any trees on the site should be retained.

A report to the planning committee read: “The proposals would add to an existing business, supporting the local economy, including the creation of jobs.

“The proposed development seeks to provide a more modern facility which is fit for purpose and to remove buildings which have become outdated as technology and machinery have moved on over the years.

“The principle of development is acceptable.”

No objections were made by Lancashire County Council or the Local Flood Authority, and full approval was granted on January 4.