A £40million shopping development in Burnley is a step closer after plans have been lodged with the council by developers.

Manchester-based Henry Boot Developments have submitted the proposals to transform the former Pioneer car park, in Curzon Street, and create 17 new shops, cafes and 400 car parking spaces.

The Oval shopping centre, which will feature Next and Primark as its anchor tenants, was announced in 2004 but has hit delays as the country plunged into a recession.

Coun Charlie Briggs, leader of Burnley Council, said: “This is yet more good news and another big step towards making this new shopping complex a reality.

“The plans set out a clear vision for the future of that part of the town centre. These things don’t happen overnight but we’re getting there.

“Burnley faces stiff competition from other towns and cities and we have to offer shoppers as wide a range of shops as possible in order to bring them to Burnley to spend their money.

“Not only will this new shopping centre bring a better choice for shoppers, it will also benefit existing businesses by bring more visitors to our town and create new jobs.”

The Telegraph recently revealed that the council would pay the planning application fee, believed to be around £30,000, for Henry Boot, but would receive the money back once the development nears completion.

Adam Brady, of Henry Boot Developments, said:”“We are currently in negotiations with a number of high profile retailers and look forward to making further announcements in due course.”

The planning application is expected to be decided by the council’s development control committee in April.

Building work is likely to start in the second half of this year and the centre to open in Autumn 2013.