BAKERY giant Warburtons have been given planning approval for a new £20million plant in Burnley.

The new facility will be built adjacent to the existing bakery, in Billington Road, and it is expected that over the long-term the new development will create 60 new jobs.

Permission was granted for the scheme at Thursday’s meeting of the development control committee of Burnley Council.

The 35-week build programme is due to start this month and the plant is expected to be operational by January 2015.

Neil Campbell, managing director at Warburtons, said: “This is an exciting time for the business and underlines our continued commitment to future growth.

“We recognise that consumer needs and tastes are changing and we must ensure we are fit to meet their needs, now and into the future.

“As a family business, we are able to take decision for the long term and we’re looking forward to expanding our presence in Burnley – a town which we have been a part of for over 30 years.”

The new plant will produce Warburtons’ range of sandwich alternatives, including its wraps and sandwich thins products.

It represents the increasing popularity from consumers for new and innovative bakery products and the business’ commitment to future growth through diversification and innovation.

Warburtons has existing wraps and sandwich thins plants in Bristol and Bolton and produces over £1million of these products each week.

Burnley was chosen as the next location for investment due to its supply chain links and suitability for build.

Warburtons has been a part of the Burnley community for over 30 years and the site currently employees 250 people.