PETS At Home have announced plans to move into a unit at the empty New Hall Hey Business Park in Rawtenstall.

The retailer has submitted proposals to Rossendale Borough Council for new retail signage at the middle unit on the retail park.

Documents show that the store will also include a Groom Room and Vets4Pets as part of the store — for which jobs have already been advertised.

The pet store is the second retailer to confirm its plans to open at the retail park, which has been empty since its construction in 2007.

Marks and Spencer announced plans to open a Simply Food store on the site back in December, and is set to open some time in late summer to coincide with the closure of the Accrington store.

David Gould, chairman of Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are very pleased that after sitting empty for so long another large business has shown confidence in Rawtenstall and will be joining Marks and Spencer at the new Hall Hey site.

“Rawtenstall has many successful small independent businesses that attract many visitors from out of the area to the town.

“Having some larger chains added to the mix all helps create a good balance of shops and services.

“We hope it is not too long before an accompaniment for the last single remaining unit can be announced.”

The Rossendale Together Barnfield Partnership, who help bring new developments to Rossendale, also welcomed the announcement.

Stuart Sugarman, chief executive of Rossendale Borough Council, said: “It is great to see another retailer coming into Rawtenstall at New Hall Hey.

“After being a long time vacant it is really pleasing news that this investment is happening in Rossendale and strengthening our visitor offer.

“Occupying New Hall Hey will bring a strong economic boost to the area while also creating employment.”

Ian Clark, from the Together Housing Group, said: “As a key partner in the RTB partnership, Together Housing Group, welcomes this news as it creates jobs and shopping opportunities for residents of Rossendale.”

A spokesperson for Pets at Home added: “We already have stores in Accrington, Bury and Burnley offering our unique product range and customer service and have been looking to open a store in Rawtenstall for some time. We hope to bring the Pets at Home experience to the town in the near future.”