NEARLY 2,000 jobs are to be created in Pendle after permission was granted to build a business park - for the second time.

Pendle Council's development control committee have passed plans to build the centre on 24 acres of land between Barrowford Road and Lower Clough Mill, Barrowford.

The scheme was drawn up in 1993 and permission was granted shortly after. But building work never went ahead and the approval lapsed.

The plans were put back on the agenda this year, although the process again did not not run smoothly.

Last month the council's Barrowford and Western Parishes committee refused planning permission.

And residents claimed the scheme would lead to traffic chaos, prompting council bosses to order a detailed survey be carried out.

However, after Lancashire County Council said traffic access was suitable and the Environment Agency did not object to the plans, the application was approved.

If rejected by Pendle Council a ruling would have had to be made by the Government planning inspectorate.

Pendle Council's executive member for planning, Coun John David, said the authority gave the green light to the scheme because the planning inspectorate "would side with specialists" and if the council lost it would cost a lot of money.

He said: "I have opposed the development for the last 13 years but there was no reason why it could be refused.

"The specialists consulted are happy and there was nothing to latch on to reject it.

"If it had gone to appeal the inspectorate would have sided with the experts."

Applicants Peel Investments North will have to meet 20 conditions including only certain types of businesses being allowed on the site, as well as traffic assessments investigating how people would arrive at the site being conducted.