HUNDREDS of new jobs are on the cards with the news that developers Seddon Waterfold plan to build a major packaging and distribution warehouse. The 32-acre site is at Waterfold, Heap Bridge, on the border between Bury and Rochdale and adjacent to Junction 2 of the M66. And the developers are already in discussions with a potential occupier.

Planning applications have been lodged with Bury and Rochdale borough councils.

They cover the provision of a 30,000-plus sq.metre warehouse with ancillary offices, vehicle servicing and parking areas.

The scheme also incorporates the widening of the M66 slip road and realignment works on Rochdale Road and Wash Lane.

And there will be a 25-metre clear span bridge which will form the access to the site off the roundabout at Junction 2.

Seddon Waterfold's spokesman Richard Johnson said: "As part of the planning application we have paid full attention to the scheme's environmental impact and to the effect of new buildings on visual amenity viewed from nearby houses.

"We have also paid attention to the enhancement of the river corridor with appropriate landscaping."

The developers also say that the site presents a unique opportunity for job generation to be shared by both Bury and Rochdale.

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