WOLSTENHOLME International's plans to build a 80,000 sq ft extension to its factory at Darwen have been put on hold because of environmental concerns.

Blackburn with Darwen's Planning and Highways Committee has deferred a decision on the new building for a more detailed report on its impact on the local habitat.

Town Hall officials had recommended that the scheme be turned down because the site was on green belt land and it had been given biological heritage status.

Councillors, however, were concerned that rejection would prevent Wolstenholme's expansion plans which would help to create and safeguard jobs.