ONE of East Lancashire's biggest employers told planners a proposed scrapyard could threaten its position in the town.

The scrapyard was proposed for land on Heasandford Industrial Estate, off Widow Hill Road, Burnley, and was refused after a Lucas boss said it would damage his firm's image.

Francis Hand, of Lucas Aerospace, told councillors Lucas could invest anywhere in the world and he wanted to make sure they chose Burnley.

He said: "We have been in Burnley for more than 50 years and we came here because of the workforce.

"We moved to Heasandford 10 years ago and we have built a conference centre which would overlook the scrapyard if you gave it permission.

"We understand the 'not in my back yard' problem, but Lucas would not have moved to Heasandford if scrapyards were on the agenda.

"Lucas must have the right environment to be successful by attracting new customers. We are fighting for Lucas Aerospace to retain its place in Burnley."

Coun Roger Frost moved refusal of the application because the development was not in keeping with the area and the site was too elevated for the proposed use.

Coun Gordon Birtwistle seconded refusal and added: "Most of the people in Burnley would agree that Heasandford is one of our best estates and it has attracted multi-national companies and high technology and apart from one area it is a very well kept site and very attractive."

Officers were asked to offer their services to help the scrapyard applicant find a more suitable site in Burnley.

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