A successful furniture and giftware supplier is seeking to replace one of its existing warehouses with a new storage unit so it can expand.

Coach House wants to construct the new building at its headquarters on the Altham Industrial Estate in Metcalf Drive, Accrington.

It has submitted a planning application to Hyndburn Council to knock down an existing storage unit and build a new high intensity storage unit including the replacement of the existing pump house and water tower.

Coach House describes itself as the 'UK's largest trade only furniture and giftware supplier'.

A supporting statement with the application says: "The proposed high bay unit will allow for a needed increase in the storage capacity for the expansion of the Coach House business."

The family-run firm, originally founded in Yorkshire more than 40 years ago, supplies 'a myriad of diverse collections spanning from traditional to contemporary furniture, lighting, design-led accessories, artificial floral, Indian antiques and festive products'.

The design and access statement says: "The site is currently used by Coach House as their head offices and main distribution centre with elements of standard storage and an automated high intensity storage unit.

"The proposed usage of the land will be for a new automated high intensity storage unit "The new unit will consist of a large open space to be fitted out with an automated high intensity storage racking system.

"The racking system will take full advantage of the additional height the unit will provide compared to the existing warehouse space.

"The unit will be set back from the existing high intensity unit for maintenance purposes.

"The water tower and pump house will be repositioned due to the removal of the existing warehouse bays.

"The appearance of the building will be identical to the existing high intensity unit with horizontal flat cladding panels of the same colours as the existing in the same pattern used to lessen the impact on the surrounding area.

"Since the proposed high bay unit will be positioned where the existing bays will be removed there are no landscaping proposals.

"Vehicular access will be from the existing access point from Metcalf Drive.

"The proposed high bay unit will allow for a needed increase in the storage capacity for the expansion of the Coach House business.

"The high bay design and scale will be similar to that of the existing high bay unit and will be positioned tight to the unit to lessen the visual impact.

"The higher quality external finishes will also provide an improvement on the existing brick facade."