A REGENERATION scheme could bring 12 new retail units to one of Blackburn’s main industrial heartlands.

An extra 36 jobs could also be created if proposals for the complex, at the corner of Gladstone Street and Gorse Street, on the edge of the Greenbank estate.

Once home to one of Greenbank’s many mills the site, opposite the former NFU offices and Lancashire Saw, has been vacant for some time and is currently surrounded by a high stone wall.

Planning agent Paul Erskine said: “The applicant seeks planning permission for the construction of a retail unit with a pitched roof on Gladstone Street and Gorse Street, which will provide an attractive outlook, together with lighting to external areas.”

Part of the package for the location are a 56-space car park, with eight motorcycle spots and nine slots for bicycles.

Mr Erskine added: “The proposed single-storey unit has been designed to ensure that the impact on the adjoining properties is minimised and contributes to the regeneration of Gorse Street and Gladstone Street.”

Further along Gorse Street, work is still continuing on the construction of the new link road beside Tesco, which should open up land in the former Hole House district, either side of the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

Neighbours have expressed concerns over speeding traffic along Gorse Street and are unsure over whether the proposals will relieve or alleviate the problems.

One father said: "Cars come down here at 60mph and 70mph and we had one car written off not so long ago.

"There's also been a few wing mirrors which have been lost."

The former NFU offices are currently being marketed for sale via estate agents Trevor Dawson, with would-be developers being given the option of possibly splitting the premises.