THERE could be a DIY jobs bonanza if plans for two major stores in Bamber Bridge get the go-ahead - but locals may have to wait until the end of next year for a final decision.

While Sainsbury's Homebase store are hoping to create 100 jobs with a new 90,000 sq ft centre in Cuerden Way, AMEC Construction have already submitted plans for a B&Q Warehouse just across the road at their proposed 300,000 sq ft business park.

The AMEC development - which would also include offices, restaurants and a hotel and promises to create more than 1,160 jobs - could be built on land south of the A6, at Lostock Lane.

Plans for the site have been referred to the Secretary of State of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) in March and a public inquiry was held in Leyland last month.

Plans for the Sainsbury's Homebase store also include a 30,000 sq ft garden centre and parking for 400 cars. Developers want to build the store next door to the existing Sainsbury's supermarket.

The application has been submitted to South Ribble Council by developers Arrowcroft Northwest Limited.

And the plans are likely to have to go through the same procedure as AMEC's, because of the size of the proposed centre.

Work on both sites may not start until next year.

John Crellin, South Ribble Council's area planning officer, said: "We have yet to take the Homebase application to the planning committee, but I can say that the committee will take into account the impact that the proposed store may have on local town and district centres, and whether or not alternative sites in these centres would be more appropriate.

"And the impact on the local traffic network, particularly the traffic light system serving Sainsbury's supermarket, is another key issue."

A Homebase spokesman said: "This is one of a number of new large format stores proposed around the country, and the Cuerden Way site is close to the Sainsbury foodstore, within easy reach of existing public transport links and enjoys excellent motorway access."

But Andy Boucher, of AMEC, believes that their development will be equally important to the area.

He said: "The B&Q Warehouse funds the infrastructure which will open up the business park. Without B&Q, the office development, which will create the majority of the 1,160 local jobs, will not take place."

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