A motor retail group with a presence across the North West has lodged plans to transform a vacant commercial site in Rossendale into a car showroom, potentially providing employment for 90 people.

MP Motor Company Ltd, trading as MotorTrust UK, wants to open a site within Hazel Mill on Ormerod Street. Most recently, the site operated as Winfields, a large camping and outdoor clothing store that attracted significant footfall from across Rossendale, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

It has however been vacant since Winfields Group entered administration, resulting in the closure of the store. No subsequent operator was been found to take over the premises,meaning the buildings now stand underutilised and show "visible signs of decline from prolonged disuse".

MotorTrust UK is a family-run business and now operates sites in Lancaster, Garstang and Bury. A design and access statement submitted with the plans said: "The business now seeks to continue its expansion through the establishment of a further branch at Hazel Mill, Ormerod Street, Haslingden.

"The addition of this site represents a natural progression for the company, reflecting both sustained growth in demand and the strategic ambition to increase regional coverage. Hazel Mill's prominent roadside location, strong transport connections and sizable commercial footprint make it an ideal opportunity for MotorTrust UK to extend its offer to a new and well-connected customer base."

It is proposed that the site would be open seven days a week, from 9:00am – 7:00pm Monday - Friday, closing at 6:00pm on a Saturday and 5:00pm on Sunday. The statement added that the showroom would "provide full-time employment for 90 staff which represents a significant employment generator for the area".