A BISCUIT firm which started life in a country kitchen is set to swallow up a former mill to further ambitous expansion plans in Nelson.

The former Primrose Mill has been pinpointed by bosses at family-run Farmhouse Biscuits for a new production facility.

Farmhouse started life at Higher Oaklands Farm in Barrowford before relocating to the centre of Nelson in the late 70s.

Today the company is a significant private-sector employer in Pendle, providing positions for more than 200 people.

And after concerns about traffic and flood risks were overcome, area committee councillors were happy to support the mill scheme, which will be undertaken by Pendle-based Barnfield Construction. The expansion is set to provide a further 16 jobs.

Demolition of the existing site will be followed by a new plant, offices and warehousing operation, near Netherfield Road end of the current factory.

Coun Eileen Ansar said: “I am pleased that we have got a site here which is bringing investment to Nelson.

“It will certainly bring new jobs to the area and I wish them every success for the future.”

Council development control manager Kieran Howarth said that concerns expressed by the county’s highways department over access to the site had now been resolved.

Larger service lorries will visit the premises three or four times a week but delivery vehicles will consist of smaller vans.

The firm markets a range of traditional biscuits, including sugar-free and gluten-free alternatives.