BURTON’S Biscuits has unveiled plans to transform vacant areas of its Moreton plant into land for affordable housing.

It has applied for outline planning permission for a scheme which would see up to 234 family homes built on the site in Pasture Road.

The plans have been prepared after the company sought the views of local people about its proposals.

Burton’s says its existing chocolate refinery on the site remains a successful business and will be retained.

Board director Neil Grocock said: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide their views on the proposals and we are encouraged by the overall response.

“The feedback received has helped us to address any potential issues at an early stage and we are confident that our final scheme will be an asset for the wider Moreton community.”

Along with family housing, the scheme could also create new jobs by providing infrastructure to generate investment in the site, encouraging development of small- to medium-sized business units.

The company said the proposals represent a "substantial level of direct investment" into the site and will boost economic benefits for Moreton and the surrounding area.

The scheme will go before the council’s planning committee this summer.

If approved,  building contractors would then will be required to submit a detailed application.