Conference hall and hotel get OK
MULTI- MILLION pound plans to build a 150-bed hotel and 1,400-seater conference and banqueting hall have been approved.
The facility will form part of the wider Frontier Park scheme off Blackburn Road in Whitebirk and create 120 full and part-time jobs.
Nine objections were submitted to Hyndburn council claiming it was ‘unlikely to generate jobs for local Knuzden residents’ and could lead to noise, air and light pollution.
But councillors unanimously approved the application by Euro Garages at a recent planning meeting.
Emily Robinson, of agents PWA Planning, told the meeting that the development would provide ‘start-of-the art cultural, business and tourist facilities’ and be available to hire by the local community for weddings, parties, cultural and religious events.
She added: “It is hoped that the proposed development will act as a catalyst for the future delivery of the other plots on the wider site and will attract inward investment into the area.”
Council leader Miles Parkinson told the meeting: “The importance of this site is not just for Hyndburn and East Lancashire but Lancashire. It’s one of the largest employment sites to be developed and it’s extremely pleasing because it has been stagnant for a long period of time. They have seen the potential within Hyndburn and it’s a development that will put Hyndburn on the map.”
Coun Clare Cleary said: “I think it’s going to be absolutely fantastic for the borough. This hotel will be the icing on the cake.”
Hyndburn Chamber of Trade president Shahed Mahmood said it was ‘excellent news for residents’.