AN extra 20 jobs could be created if an East Lancashire engineering firm's expansion plans find favour with planners.

Bosses at ELE Advanced Technologies in Colne say they have secured a 20-year supply agreement with Rolls Royce.

And as a result they have lodged proposals with Pendle Council for an extension to their Cotton Tree Lane plant.

Under blueprints filed with the authority, the additional building would be eight-and-a-half metres high and contain the same kind of precision engineering machinery employed in their main factory.

A mezzanine area within the extension would also contain extra offices.

Planning agent Daniel Connolly said: "The site is located in a sustainable location being on the edge of the settlement with amenities and good public transport links located nearby.

"The applicant has taken on significant long-term contracts including a 20 year supply agreement with Rolls Royce. The extension is required to meet these expanding needs of the business."

New hardstanding would be created to the north-west of the site to provide parking and a HGV turning area.

Mr Connolly added: "The proposals represent an opportunity to develop an existing employment building and expand an established business that will have significant benefits in relation to environmental, social and economic considerations."

Last year ELE, which employs 133 in Colne and 55 at a sister site in Slovakia, was boosted by a secondary buyout with private equity investor LDC.