Plans put on hold for Boundary Mill garden centre in Colne
Plans for a major new garden centre in Colne have been put on hold.
But bosses at Boundary Mill have insisted their intended scheme for land off Greenfield Road has not been shelved.
The Lancashire Telegraph understands access arrangements for the site, also next to Whitewalls Drive, has proved to be a sticking point.
In 2014 the original proposals for the 9,000 square metre project, at the end of the M65, divided opinion in the town.
Supporters pointed towards the 300 full or part-time jobs which could be created by the venture, which would have incorporated a farm shop and cafe.
But the Friends of Greenfield Nature Reserve group was adamant it would be detrimental to the nearby nature haven, amid concerns over the loss of on-site trees and the effect on deer, bees, newts and bats.
Gill Laws, assistant to Boundary Mill chairman Richard Bannister, said: ?It is just on hold at the moment because we didn?t manage to resolve the highways issues associated with the project.
?We have got other projects, which have taken priority, but our intentions have certainly not been shelved for the site.?
Unless work begins imminently, the company would be required to seek a renewal of the existing planning permission, which would expire in April, from Pendle Council.
Cllr Tony Greaves, deputy leader and a Waterside ward member, said the planning process could be ?frustrating? for councils when time was spent on applications, and traffic improvements were suggested which may improve an area, when they did not then proceed.
He said: ?People living in Greenfield Road will be happy if this does not take place but as an authority we have to be mindful of the 300 jobs which were promised and the business rates it would have generated for the borough.?
The land has previously been identified as being suitable for both a hotel and store.
In the first few months some minor works took place at the junction of Greenfield Road and Whitewalls Drive, along with some tree clearance around the perimeter of the site.
Last week Boundary Mill was given planning permission to build two replacement kiosks on their forecourt. The existing ones house Discover Pendle and Thornton?s.
