A NEW industrial unit looks set to be given the green light following a major fire at an East Lancs manufacturer.

Proposals for replacement premises, for refrigeration company Solomon Commercials, in Commerce Street, Haslingden, are set to be debated by Rossendale Council.

Last June a serious blaze broke out at the firm's premises which saw 30 firefighters called out to the Carr Industrial Estate.

Bosses have since lodged plans with the borough's development control section for the partial demolition of an existing factory, at their Primrose Mill site, and the erection of a new building.

Councillors have been told in a report: "The application site relates to an industrial unit located on Commerce Street in Haslingden and is occupied by Solomon Commercials.

"In June 2023 this unit unfortunately suffered a major fire, and was partially demolished as the remaining structure was unsafe.

"The site is located at a lower level than the road, with the access sloping down into the site."

Proposals lodged on behalf of Condale Construction show that the replacement structure would occupy the same footprint as the existing unit.

According to officials, the original building comprised three sections, an office block, and two production sections of differing heights

The application says the existing offices are to be retained and refurbished while the proposed development will result in the two production buildings being the same height.

County highways engineers have raised no objections to the bid, subject to an external yard being returned for staff car parking, once construction has been completed.

Recommending approval, borough planning manager Mike Atherton said: "The proposed development is acceptable in terms of principle, visual amenity, neighbour amenity and highway safety and therefore is acceptable and in accordance with the Rossendale Local Plan."

Six fire engines from Hyndburn, Fulwood, Rawtenstall, Bacup, Burnley and an engine from a Greater Manchester station along with the aerial ladder platform from Hyndburn, the water bowser and the command support unit were called in to deal with the fire last June and several surrounding roads were sealed off.