AN AWARD-winning shopping village has unveiled big plans to expand..

An application proposing the creation of a £1.5 million retail unit has been received by Ribble Valley Borough Council from Oswaldtwistle Mills, who plan to develop a new home and lifestyle store on land at Barrow Brook.

The retail unit, which will trade under the name 'Love Furniture Stores', will sell a range of furniture and homeware with a focus on British and local suppliers from the Lancashire region.

There are also plans to incorporate a coffee shop and tearoom at the site, which will sit alongside existing retailers such as McDonalds and KFC at Barrow Brook.

Boyd Hargreaves, Managing Director of Oswaldtwistle Mills, said: "“Having worked in close partnership within the last year with the local council, we are delighted for the opportunity to be able to bring our expert retailing and marketing experience to a new venture in the Ribble Valley.

"We have worked hard to develop a concept that will not only complement the beautiful aesthetics of the surrounding landscape but also offer a new retail experience and create jobs for local residents.”

The planned development is set to be a joint venture between Mr Hargreaves, who will manage ongoing retail operations, and Red Rose Holdings of Darwen, who will be developing and overseeing the project.

Oswaldtwistle Mills have also worked very closely with Clitheroe-based architects Stanton Andrews on designs and concepts for the unit.

The original Oswaldtwistle Mills opened in Accrington in 1994, with a second Mill Outlet opening in Batley, West Yorkshire in 2016.

The new 1,380 sq.m unit, including 620 square metres at mezzanine level was submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council on 28 March 2018.

A spokesperson for Oswaldtwistle Mills said "Love Furniture Stores will complement the existing retail offer within Clitheroe town centre and Whalley village, while boosting consumer choice and reducing the need for residents to travel to out-of-town shopping destinations."

Plans also outlined aspirations to create an 'excellent landmark retail and tourist experience.'

Last year alone, Oswaldtwistle Mills welcomed over 1.5 million people through their doors- success that is hoped to be continued in the opening of the new Ribble Valley store.

Subject to planning approval, the new store will be up and running for the early part of 2019.