MORE than 60 jobs could be created at a £1 million office development which has been given the go-ahead on land next to Whalley railway station.

Whalley developer Andrew Ronnan has been given permission to build four two-storey office blocks and a manufacturing building at The Sidings industrial estate, Station Road.

There will also be a 43-space car park, landscaping and provision for cyclists, Ribble Valley Council's planning committee heard.

One of the blocks has been earmarked by the Lancashire Youth Service, set to relocate to the village from sites across East Lancashire.

Two more have been snapped up by firms already at The Sidings looking to expand and part of the fourth by a private medical practice.

The meeting heard that permission for nine light industrial units at the site already existed.

Ribble Valley Council's chief planning officer Stewart Bailey said: "The proposed buildings will be similar to industrial units already there and I consider them appropriate, given the nature of the site."

Mr Ronnan welcomed the councillors' decision.

He said when the scheme was up and running up to 120 people could be working at the site.

He said: "Two of the buildings are going to existing tenants, who are planning to expand.

"I would say there is scope for about 120 employees at the site, about half of whom will be in new posts.

"It is likely that construction work will be awarded to local contractors, which will put more money and jobs into the community.

"The finished development will be built to a high standard, creating a very pleasant environment, and an ideal rail link on the doorstep of the development will further contribute to the creation of employment opportunities with minimal disruption to the community."

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