MORE than 30 jobs could be created in Ribble Valley after an international company got the go-ahead to extend its Clitheroe plant.

Ribble Valley Council's planning and development committee heard catalyst manufacturer Johnson Matthey, based at the Pimlico Industrial Estate in West Bradford Road, wanted to replace and extend one of its workshops.

The 29-metre high building will be used for the manufacture and packaging of catalysts, councillors were told.

But planning officers recommended refusal on the grounds it was an "incongruous" development and would be an eyesore in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Senior planning officer John Macholc said: "I believe it would have a significant impact and be a prominent feature, particularly viewed from West Bradford Road in Waddington."

Johnson Matthey general manager Tony Flannigan told councillors the company was the second largest of its type in the world.

"I and my team have worked extremely hard to have Clitheroe chosen as a site worthy of substantial investment in advanced technology.

"Your decision is a choice between a supposedly incongruous feature and jobs and investment. By jobs, I mean the additional thirty jobs directly related to this application.

"Delivery of this project is a key part of a long-term plan to develop our site into a world-leading facility. Conversely, failure to deliver this project will inevitably lead to investment elsewhere, which undermines our long-term security.

"Our building will be visible from certain points, but people expect industrial buildings on an industrial estate, however large.

"Jobs on the other hand are not usually seen. Over two hundred families in Clitheroe depend on Johnson Matthey for their livelihoods and hundreds more businesses benefit from the ten million pounds we spend locally each year."

Coun Frank Dyson said: "The economic development of this site is without question for the benefit of the town, but there is always a downside with developments of this nature.

"This is a very large building, which will have a visual impact. Undoubtedly officers have considered this, but I don't think it is horrifying to see the outline of a building above trees. This development is so worthwhile that I move we accept it."

Coun Stephen Sutcliffe added: "I am concerned that the best economic prospect facing this town for years could evaporate if we don't give this scheme the go-ahead."

John Macholc defended his recommendation of refusal and said it had been a case of jobs versus the environment.

"It will be difficult to assess the visual impact of the building until it has been built and this was a tough decision to make.

"I accept that employment is a key issue, but so is the environment, which we have a duty to protect."