A CONTROVERSIAL business and retail complex that will create 490 jobs has been give the go ahead despite objections from local residents.

Developer Greenfield Park Ltd, run by Pendle businessman Graham White, will have to meet a series of strict conditions as part of the outline planning approval granted by Pendle Council to build shops, business units and offices off Vivary Way, at the Colne end of the M65 motorway. The proposals also include a restaurant and fast food outlet.

The firm will also have to go back to the council with detailed plans for the former landfill site before any work can go ahead.

The approval by the council's Colne area committee last night follows months of negotiations between Greenfield Park, councillors and residents living in the Greenfield area of Colne, whose homes look out over the Vivary Way site.

Councillors said that although the site, home to a wide range of wildlife including deer, foxes and hawks, would be developed, they fought long and hard to get as many concessions from Greenfield Park as possible. Access to the site will be from the roundabout at the end of the M65.

Extra conditions were imposed by councillors last night including moves to save a row of ash trees and to create a screen of trees between the site and nearby homes. The complex will be built in two phases.

The shops will not be able to sell food, clothing, fashion accessories, cosmetics or toiletries, pet food or music and electronic games.

Opponents claimed the complex would create traffic chaos in an area already suffering problems. There were also concerns about excessive noise and pollution and the effect the complex would have on the environment.

Former councillor Tony Greaves said: "I believe that row of ash trees is a special row. They are substantial and majestic trees that are in good health. When this site is developed they will become even more prominent because they will be seen in all their glory from inside the site. They will enhance any development."

Mr White declined to comment on the approval until he had had chance to study the conditions attached to it.

Joint plans by Asda and Boundary Mill to extend their neighbouring stores in nearby Coronation Street, Colne, and create extra car parking spaces were put on hold by the area committee to allow talks to go ahead between worried residents, councillors and the firms.

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