PLANS for a £19million investment to transform a former Chipping factory, creating over 100 jobs, are at the centre of a public consultation.

The former HJ Berry factory, which has lain empty since 2010 when the 170-year-old furniture manufacturer collapsed, will be transformed into cottages, apartments, a hotel, a gym and pool under the plans.

Drop-in sessions will be held in the old barn building on the site at Malt Kiln Brow on Thursday from 3.30pm to 7pm and on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Stephen Chicken, of investors 53N, which is behind the plans, said: “The scheme has been drawn up following extensive consultation with local community stakeholders and meets many of the objectives of the Chipping local plan including the provision of housing, jobs and car parking.

“We are now seeking feedback from the wider community and would encourage people to come along to our drop-in sessions.

“The proposals would see the site redeveloped through the creation of a mixed-use hotel and leisure-led scheme, which would create new jobs, preserve the Grade II listed Kirk Mill buildings and regenerate the area.

“We’re very enthusiastic about the plans and hope that local neighbours and businesses will be too.”

Paul Hunt, who lives in Talbot Street, Chipping, said: “The plans look interesting and any development that brings employment back to the village should be welcomed. The only problem is that they are planning to build on a green field site. You would have thought that brown field sites would be the first to be used.”

The plans will also be available to view at www.kirkmill.co.uk where feedback can also be logged about the plans for the site .