A LUXURY car dealership which looks set to boost a north Lancashire town's economy has been given the green light.

Kendal's Parker & Parker Porsche Centre will relocate to a site adjacent to the M6, just outside of Carnforth.

Although recommended for refusal by Lancaster City Council's planning officer, the site was approved due to its good design, acceptable landscape impact and the investment it would bring to the local economy.

"This was a finely balanced decision and there was much public support for the application," said Councillor Carla Brayshaw, chair of planning and highways regulatory committee. "The officers concerns related to the use of a greenfield site and the fact that the building will sit high on the landscape relative to other buildings in the locality. As chair of the planning committee it was necessary to listen to the officer’s concerns and balance this with the potential for the inward investment and economic development opportunity which this application presents for Carnforth and the wider area."

Deputy Mayor of Carnforth Town Council Bob Roe welcomed the news.

"I am very pleased," he said. "It will bring a much needed prestige business to the town and much needed jobs."

He said he hoped it would have a 'knock-on' effect for Carnforth, with those visiting the centre heading into the town to spend.

Parker & Parker had been looking to move from its Longpool site for 'some time', having outgrown the premises.

"As soon as the site on the outskirts of Carnforth was mentioned to us it was clear that it would be a superb location," said dealer principal Ian Parker. "It is easily accessible for all our customers from Cumbria and North Lancashire and will be an iconic building which will act as a catalyst to bring further investment in to Carnforth and the surrounding area.

The new site looks set to bring with it nine new 'good quality' jobs, likely including one apprenticeship, and Mr Parker hopes that it will be constructed and ready to open by June 2019.