91-homes plan for old Accrington warehouse site (From Lancashire Telegraph)

91-homes plan for old Accrington warehouse site

3:47pm Monday 3rd October 2011 in Church By Emma Cruces, Reporter

ONE of Hyndburn’s biggest employers wants to develop its former warehouse site for offices and homes.

Express Gifts closed its Marlborough Road warehouse and sample room in Accrington last year.

But now the firm’s parent company Findel Ltd has submitted plans to build 91 houses and two industrial units at the site, and to demolish the former warehouse, the 1920s-built Hambledon Mill.

It wants permission to operate 10 HGVs from the site and for the businesses there to operate 24 hours a day.

The firm, which employs 1,600 people at its main base in Henry Street, Church, as well as at a call centre in Clayton-le-Moors, said it plans to reinvest money from the sale of the land into the business.

Council leader Miles Parkinson said he welcomed any plans which would see Hyndburn’s key employers expand.

He said: “It is really good news to hear they plan on investing into their business and that there is potential for growth rather than cuts.

"However, this scheme would have to be suitable for nearby residents too.”

The employment section of the development will consist of two buildings within an area of 4,500 sq ft near the site’s access on Marlborough Road.

The remainder will be filled with two, three and four bedroom houses, gardens and shared courtyards.