DEALS have been struck which should see long-empty land on a Burnley industrial estate being redeveloped and up to around 20 new jobs being created in the borough.

Land known as plots 5A, 5B and 5C, just along Widow Hill Road from Northbridge Vending, look set to be redeveloped by three different companies.

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Councillors approved the sale of the three sites at a recent executive meeting, for unknown sums, paving the way for the vacant land to be regenerated.

Les Smithson’s civil engineering operation had wanted to relocate from their home at Briercliffe Mill to Heasandford and they secured a planning consent to build two light industrial units off Widow Hill Road in January.

Planning agent Colin Whittaker said: “The operatives would normally meet at the unit first thing in the morning before going out to various sites to carry out their civil engineering contracting duties.”

Earlier this year Agriquip Mechanical Engineering were given planning permission to build a ‘general purpose’ industrial building on one of the sites.

Bosses at the family-run outfit, which repairs and maintains agricultural equipment, alongside recycling plant and machinery, wanted to expand from their workshop in Nelson to the Heasandford site to be closer to a number of their potential clients.

A Burnley Council spokesman said: “The disposal of the sites will produce capital receipts for the council and facilitate the development of two light industrial units. It is anticipated the development will create 10-15 jobs.”

The third 1.24 acre site, known as plot 5C, is currently in the process of being sold to an unnamed technology firm, which develops computer software for remapping and engine chip tuning and is currently in the Ribble Valley.

“It is anticipated that the development at Widow Hill Road will result in the company’s six existing staff relocating to Burnley and the creation of two apprenticeships,” added the council spokesman.

Councillors were told that the deal should lead to a 6,000 square foot light industrial building being applied for in the near future.