HUNDREDS of jobs could be created if an out-of-town business and leisure development gets the go-ahead.

London-based Schroder Properties wants to develop a 14-acre site next to the M61 at junction 8, east of Chorley.

The site, near the Botany Bay shopping and leisure complex, is earmarked by the developers for a mix of businesses as well as an hotel, a pub and restaurant and other leisure attractions.

Schroder were earlier turned down by Chorley Council when they applied for a leisure and factory outlet complex on the site last year. Schroder spokesman Mike Clarke said: "A substantial number of jobs will be created but it depends on the exact mix of uses. We are talking to various people but I can't give any details. There is good interest in the site."

The site is bounded by the A674 Blackburn Road and the Leeds and Liverpool canal and access will be from a new roundabout on the A674 which already has planning permission.

Schroder claim their plan will regenerate the site and establish a "marker" for Chorley on the motorway, which will attract visitors to the area.

Chorley Council's planning department has not yet set a date to hear the application.

The earlier application was turned down because councillors were worried that the retail outlet would badly affect shops in Chorley town centre.

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