Ecologists question why 750 trees need to be removed around former Accrington Nori brickworks

Borough experts insist the proposal represents an “extraordinarily high number” of lost coverage, under a scheme drawn up by Greengates for the old Nori factory off Whinney Hill Road.

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None of the trees benefit from protection orders but council ecologists consider that a £27,000 contribution should be made to providing replacement trees off-site, to offset the loss, roughly equivalent to two hectares of woodland.

This would also provide cover for foraging bats, which are said to be attracted to the land, councillors have been told.

Five extra jobs would be created, alongside protecting the 18 positions already provided at Greengates’ existing premises in Whalley Road, according to supporters of the scheme.

But recommending approval for the scheme, a Hyndburn Council planning official said the scheme had been amended so a “significant” amount of planting could be done around the edge of the land.

He added: “Officers are satisfied that the payment of £27,000 would add an additional cost of development, which would not be acceptable to the applicant and, as such, in this case ‘net gain’ in biodiversity terms is not possible.”

It is proposed that two buildings would be constructed on the site, which is bordered by Owen Street, Ramsbottom Street and Haywood Road, and include a showroom and sales counter.

Planning agent Alan Kinder said: “Considerable benefit will result from the relocation of Greengates Builders’ Merchants from what is a wholly unsuitable site.”

The highways authority is also seeking a £5,000 payout to test lights at the bottom of Whinney Hill Road, to improve traffic flows. And noise experts have suggested the installation of an acoustic fence along the south-western boundary, to safeguardhouseholders in Whalley Road and Frank Street.

Under the plans, to be discussed today by the borough’s planning committee, the merchant would open 7.30am-6pm weekdays and until 5pm Sundays.