CAMPAIGNERS in Guide may only have 21 days to send objections to John Prescott over plans to build a major commercial development on their doorsteps.

The plan to create a hotel, car showroom, petrol filling station and sports/health centre, as well as business developments, on land near Haslingden Road has been sent to the Deputy Prime Minister by councillors.

It is now up to him to decide whether the whole project should be "called in" for a public inquiry or not.

If he chooses not to order an inquiry, Blackburn with Darwen planning councillors have already indicated they are likely to give the scheme the go-ahead. Town Hall planning officers are set to officially refer the scheme to Mr Prescott within the next few days and then the 21-day consultation period will be activated.

If civil servants choose to extend that 21-day period then Guide campaigners will have more time to send in their objections.

Blackburn with Darwen planning chief Peter Kuit said: "I would expect people in Guide to know one way or the other what the decision is by the end of August."

Liverpool-based developers Arrowcroft North West, the development arm of United Utilities, is the company behind the scheme.

United Utilities own the site in question and Arrowcroft North West have claimed that if the project is finally given the green light between 500 and 1,000 new jobs could be created.

A plan to build 120 new homes on a nearby site near Haslingden Road, Guide, has already been approved by councillors.

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