THE controversial plans to create a distribution development on green belt land at Florida Farm in Haydock will be decided on at the town hall on this evening.

The St Helens Council planning committee will rule whether to give planning permission to the £150m plans for two industrial and distribution buildings.

The proposals were submitted last summer by Bericote Properties who claim 2,500 jobs will be created, excluding construction work, and an employment scheme "will make sure that borough residents get the first shot at securing new jobs".

The plans have been met with fierce opposition from residents, who launched a passionate campaign against the proposed development on the green belt land. More than 2,000 letters of objection have been sent to the council and a Facebook page 'Residents Against the Florida Farm Development' has amassed nearly 2,000 followers.

Health concers, volume of traffic and the loss of green belt land are among protestors' concerns.

Last September co-leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas joined protestors to the plans and the resident protest group presented a box of hundreds of objection letters at the town hall.

With a large turnout expected for the meeting, space has been allocated in the town hall assembly room for 300 residents to view the meeting, which begins at 5.30pm, via a video link.

Planning officers have recommended the proposals are given the go-ahead by councillors.