MARKS & Spencer has confirmed it is to open a new store at an empty business park in Rawtenstall.

The retailer is expected to open in New Hall Hey retail park next year, with the creation of up to 50 full-time jobs.

Politicians and business leaders were united in their enthusiasm for a development at the park, which has been vacant since it was built in 2007.

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed in October that owners West Register had submitted a planning application to allow a greater range of tenants to use the site. Now M&S, which has no presence in the Valley, has written to Rossendale Borough Council and confirmed its intention to open in one of New Hall Hey’s three units.

A spokesman for the firm said: “We are planning to open a store at New Hall Hey and will provide more information in the new year.”

Rossendale MP Jake Berry said New Hall Hey is the gateway into Rossendale and he is pleased that it will be occupied by a “premier retailer”.

The Conservative said: “It will encourage people to come to Rossendale and enjoy the wider shopping experience of our fantastic independent shops in Rawtenstall and Bacup.

“I have been talking for some time, along with the council, behind the scenes with West Register, the Royal Bank of Scotland property group which owns the site, and I am pleased to see it come to fruition. I know from discussions with the site owners that others have agreed to come but were waiting for M&S to confirm. We will see more movement next year.”

David Gould, president of Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, said: “There are lots of supermarkets in the area but having a Marks & Spencer Simply Food, which is my understanding of what the store will be, will offer something that others do not have.

“It is fantastic that after all these years the site is going to be occupied. I hope that having M&S there will get the other two units filled quicker.”