A MAJOR development in Ulverston could deliver more than 300 new jobs and see the likes of Marks and Spencer and Aldi open new stores in the town.

A new mixed use business park is planned for land at the Beehive site just off the A590, where the emergency services shared Blue Light Hub is already being built.

In addition to the new retail outlets, the Lake District Farmers, who currently have their main base at Tebay, and engineering firm FETL would also move.

Other businesses hoping to be based at the development include a law firm, a vet's surgery and an insurance office.

The Marks and Spencer Foodhall and Aldi stores would between them create more than 70 new jobs.

The development is being led by commercial and retail developer Rawdon Property Group.

The firm's director Brian Scott unveiled the plans for the site to Ulverton Town Council on Wednesday, prior to a public consultation scheduled for September.

He said: "We have worked hard to attract companies such as Lake District Farmers and FETL Ltd, which were looking at alternative sites for purpose-built accommodation outside Ulverston, and we are delighted to be retaining jobs and bringing new employment opportunities to the town.

"But the commitment we have received from M&S and Aldi is the vital element in making the commercial development of the site viable.

"The site is already designated by South Lakeland District Council for job creation, and the fact that work is already under way on the road junction and groundworks for the Blue Light Hub is a considerable advantage."

A decision on the plans, once a formal application is submitted, will be made by South Lakeland District Council.

Back in 2013, Sainsbury's was refused permission to build a 20,000 square foot supermarket on the Beehive site.

That application was rejected on the grounds that the site was earmarked for industrial use rather than retail.

Mr Scott said RPG planned to consult closely with SLDC over the Beehive development.

"A lot of people have talked about the advantages of having an M&S Foodhall and Aldi in Ulverston, in terms of bringing people to the town and encouraging local people to shop here instead of heading for supermarkets in Barrow or Kendal," he added.

"Most of all we want to hear what the people of Ulverston think about the plans – and aim to start that consultation process in September."