AMBITIOUS bosses at a Pendle fabrics firm are switching production to a site next to the M65 because it gives them the potential room to expand.

Planning permission has been secured by Panaz, based for the last 25 years at Spring Mill in Fence, to convert premises at Network 65 in Hapton into their new headquarters.

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Around 70 jobs will be transferring to the site in Bentley Wood Way after the go-ahead was given by Burnley Council’s development control section.

Additional authorisation was needed for the fabric printing and preparation side of the business, with the unit already able to provide storage and distribution facilities.

The new set-up includes a design studio, showroom, sampling area, management offices and staff facilities. The car park can cater for 99 vehicles and 10 bicycles.

Planning agent Andrew Walker said: “The proposed move to Network 65 will enable the company to consolidate its business onto one site and, given the close proximity of the motorway, will resolve the distribution problems which restrict current operations.

“In addition the site and building at Network 65 has room for expansion which will allow further development of the business.”

Outline planning permission for the Spring Mill site to be converted into three homes, with a further 19 houses constructed after partial demolition of the original building, was obtained from Pendle Council last April.

The scheme was first floated in 2011 - but the economic downturn delayed a proposed move and a fresh permission needed to be approved by councillors.

Several multi-million deals have been inked by Panaz, a double Queen’s Award winner, over the last quarter-century, including decking out a luxury hotel on Catalina Island, just off southern California.