SCORES of new jobs will be created if the Government backs Lancaster City Council's decision to give conditional support for a multi-million pound business and leisure on Caton Road.

Councillors at Monday's planning committee recommended an application to develop Cottams Farm near junction 34 of the M6 into a business park incorporating a range of office and business premises as well as a hotel and public house. A fitness centre was also granted full planning permission and that alone will

create approximately 80 jobs.

The proposal will now be referred to the secretary of state.

Commenting on the decision, Lancaster City Council planning committee chairman, Keith Budden said: "It has taken a long time to find the right kind of development for this gate way to the city site. However, following much consultation between council officers and Capsthorn Development, we now have an application which reflects both the spirit of the earlier permissions and the Development Plan policies for this site.

"This application, which includes improvements to the motorway access, provides one of the best opportunities there has been for this site. Importantly it will also generate jobs for the area."