A MULTI-MILLION pound scheme to build a new food hall and business units in Carlisle is poised to get the green light.

Family-run firm Pioneer Foodservice wants to open the huge new retail store on the opposite side of Montgomery Way, Rosehill, and bosses say its turnover could quadruple if they are given the go-ahead.

The food hall, which will be stocked with a wide variety of locally-sourced produce and include a butcher, baker, charcuterie and a coffee shop, is the lynch-pin of a potential £5m scheme planned by H&H Group on undeveloped land.

As well as the food hall, the land - currently used as a car park for H&H's Rosehill livestock mart - will be turned into a 295-space car park and 11 industrial units, should the project go ahead.

Overall, the auction mart group says, the development will create about 50 new jobs. H&H acquired the land from Carlisle City Council last year on a long lease.

A decision about the scheme is due to go before the city council's development control committee tomorrow.

Planning officers have recommended the idea is approved, subject to conditions.

Only one formal objection has been lodged with the authority on the grounds of parking problems.

The objector said that if the proposal goes ahead there will not be enough space left for those working at Rosehill to park.

Brian Richardson, chief executive of H&H Group, said: "There has been a lot of work going into the planning process and we have done a lot of consultation.

"It's obviously going to potentially create a lot of jobs. We are looking forward to getting planning [approval] and getting started in the spring."

He added: "We're working with Pioneer and that's a positive seeing a neighbour expand their business and we've had quite a lot of interest in the business units at the bottom."

Mr Richardson acknowledged that there had been some complaints raised about parking on the estate but said the company had monitored the situation and believe there will be adequate provision.

In a report prepared by planning officer Angus Hutchinson for the meeting, he wrote: "This proposal will provide employment during the construction phase, safeguard existing jobs, and lead to an increase in local employment.

"The proposed industrial units are speculative with no end users identified. However, modern, purpose built employment units are proposed which would assist in increasing the availability of employment premises to the benefit of the local economy.

"This application also involves the re-use of a currently contaminated brownfield site that will enhance the appearance of the area. The proposal has the potential to lead to material social, economic and environmental benefits."