A GOVERNMENT-appointed inspector will decide the next round of the battle to build a major development in East Lancashire.

But two firms wanting to build rival complexes between Hyndburn and Blackburn will now have to wait at least 12 months to see who will get the final go-ahead.

The Department of the Environment has revealed a public inquiry will be held into one of the schemes - submitted by Midlands-based Kingspark Development - to see if it is suitable for the region.

Kingspark want to build a £20 million cinema and leisure complex in Greenbank. The firm claims its plan will create around 350 new jobs.

But rivals Trinity Developers are proposing a £60 million business, leisure and industrial park at Whitebirk.

The Wigan company has said the project would bring an extra 2,500 jobs to the region. The Kingspark plan was discussed in private at Accrington Town Hall and Hyndburn councillors are now backing the Midlands company's additional proposals to build a small cinema and leisure complex in Accrington town centre.

Blackburn Council is also supporting the scheme and owns the land earmarked for the Kingspark development at Greenbank.

A formal decision will be made in the New Year by Hyndburn Council.

The inspector has 'called in' the Kingspark plan to take a closer look at how it will affect trade and business in neighbouring town centres. The Government inspector is likely to take at least 12 months.

Hyndburn Council leader George Slynn said: "The town centre cinema is a key component of this strategy. The onus is now on Kingspark and their operator to confirm that their commitment is real and sustainable."

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