THE property arm of Blackburn's billionaire Issa brothers' business empire is proposing to build a new multi-million pound food store on its flagship Frontier Park development.

The retail unit, which replaces a planned conference and banqueting centre next to the Hampton by Hilton Hotel, would complete the commercial estate on the Hyndburn/Blackburn border.

The job-creating development is described as 'speculative' with no specific operator is identified.

Monte Blackburn Ltd has submitted a planning application to Hyndburn Council for 1,858 square metre store on two acres of land.

The store would be accessed off Frontier Avenue and have 156 car parking spaces.

The original 2018 planning approval for the hotel envisaged a conference and banqueting centre being built next to it.

Supporting documents submitted with the new application say: "The site is currently underdeveloped and was previously proposed as a conference building and car parking.

"This is the last plot and will complete the total development of Frontier Park.

"The development is currently a speculative development.

"The wider development comprises a mix of uses including large scale industrial employment units, petrol filling stations, restaurants, cafes and a hotel.

"To the immediate north of the site is the Hampton by Hilton Hotel.

"The site is located off Frontier Avenue, close to Whitebirk Roundabout. From Whitebirk Roundabout, a number of key roads can be accessed which ensures that the proposed site sits within a central and highly accessible location. The site benefits from a direct route onto the M65.

"The existing hotel and an associated conference/banquet facility were approved on site in March 2018.

"Whilst the hotel was constructed, the conference centre has not been implemented.

"The proposed development will lead to significant employment for the local area on a currently vacant site supporting the growth of the local economy

"The foodstore will have a sales area of 1,858sqm, whilst back of house will cover an area of 743sqm and staff welfare area of 186sqm.

"The proposed building is rectangular, has a flat roof with a projecting entrance to identify it separately from the rest of the front façade.

"There is a large area of glazing to the front.

"A mixture of jet black panelling, white aluminium cladding and brick is used to create an attractive development.

"Given the mixed use nature of the site, the proposed food store proposed here is considered to represent appropriate development within the local context.

"This latest proposal is of a high-quality design which complements the existing appearance of the park."

Alex Kenwright, Monte Blackburn's development director, said: "We have a had several expressions of interest in a food store on this site but are not in a position to give any names."

Rishton ward's Cllr Kate Walsh said: "The positive is that it will increase employment opportunities in the area but it would be great to see some research on whether there us a need for a new food store as the last thing we want is another empty unit in Hyndburn."