PLANS to make the Lostock Triangle a 24-hour operation have been put on hold because of noise concerns.

Planning conditions state businesses can only operate between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, with no work on Sundays or bank holidays.

But after potential occupiers walked away, owners Commercial Developers Projects Ltd submitted an application to Vale Royal Borough Council to remove the restriction.

This has now had to be withdrawn because not enough research has been done into possible noise levels.

A council spokesman confirmed: "The application was withdrawn on December 17 as the applicant was required to provide more information regarding noise surveys to Environmental Health."

CDP say the restriction is causing companies to set up shop elsewhere, making an empty business park a real possibility.

Lostock parish councillor Shaun Wells said he hopes the condition will be amended to make sure the park flourishes.

He said: "The withdrawal is not good news because when the development is complete, they won't be able to fill it.

"Companies and businesses do work 24-7 so the condition isn't good.

"We are in danger of ending up with a big white elephant, a huge park with loads of empty buildings."

The triangle aims to become an international quality business park, and with most companies now working around the clock, they need to give occupiers a 24-7 option to be in with a chance of keeping up with the competition.

In a letter to the borough council, CDP Ltd branded the restrictions ludicrous' and urged them to reconsider before any more business is driven away.