PLANS for a new £20million manufacturing site, set to create 60 jobs, have been recommended for approval by the borough council.

Bakery giants Warburtons have submitted a planning application for a new plant opposite its existing base in the town, off Billington Road.

The plant would produce Warburtons’ range of sandwich alternatives, including wraps and thins, at the site in Rossendale Road Business Park.

A report on the proposals said the council received three emails from occupiers of nearby premises.

It said: “Two raised comments regarding elements of the scheme, and one objected to the proposal on the basis of out-of-hours noise.

“The existing site has no planning restrictions relating to hours of use, opening or deliveries, a factor typical of industrial sites of this age.”

Warburtons total sandwich alternatives have grown by 87 per cent year on year and now account for 5.3 per cent of Warburtons total wrapped bakery sales.

The company has an existing wraps and thins plants in Bristol, and Bolton and produces over one million products each week.

Burnley was chosen as the next location for investment due to its supply chain links and suitability for build. Subject to planning permission, the new plant will be able to produce an average of 5,500 products per hour.

The report added: “The proposed development will have no significant visual impact upon the locality.

“It will also have no significant impact upon the occupiers of adjacent business or the occupiers of nearby properties.”