A DEVELOPMENT giant is proposing to create an industrial estate in a town centre.

Brierfield’s Barnfield Construction has submitted plans for two new units on scrubland off Higher Eanam in Blackburn.

It would be the first stage of a ‘new general industrial estate’ off Dock Street, close to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

The company’s interest follows Blackburn-based EP Properties’ purchase of the nearby former Thwaites Brewery Stables to turn the historic buildings into 25 small business and industrial units.

The Barnfield planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council has been welcomed by borough regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley, his Tory group shadow Cllr Derek Hardman and ward councillor Zamir Khan.

The developer proposes two new buildings of 10,000 square feet and 4,000 square feet accessed by two new roads off Dock Street with parking and a service yard. The smaller one will be split into two units.

Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development for Barnfield Construction says “There is already a good level of interest. It’s a great location for commercial occupiers at one of the gateways into Blackburn with lots of interesting developments going on around it. Subject to planning permission we hope to be on site October 2020 and the units be available summer 2021."

A design statement submitted by architects the Campbell Driver Partnership says: “The site is undeveloped scrubland.

“The close proximity to Blackburn town centre means the site has excellent transport links, accessed from the M65.

“The whole perimeter of the site will be planted with trees.

Cllr Riley said: “It has been a long-term plan to utilise the Dock Street site. It is a good sign that despite the current coronavirus crisis Barnfield has come forward with this proposal. It will create jobs and shows continuing interest from developers in the borough.”

Blackburn Central ward’s Cllr Khan said: “This is a very good idea and it will improve an important gateway into the town centre,

“It is a good site, just scrubland. It will lighten up the area and stop people throwing rubbish there as well as creating jobs for Blackburn people.”

Cllr Hardman said: “This is excellent news. It shows that developers are interested in investing and creating jobs in Blackburn and the borough.”