Fine Lady Bakeries has announced plans to build a £20 million bakery in Newton Heath, east Manchester. Planning permission has been submitted for the site, which would become Fine Lady’s northern base.

Joe Street, managing director of the Banbury-based company, said the east Manchester location would offer excellent transport links both north and south.

“We don’t want to anticipate the outcome of the planning application but this is an exciting first step for us,” he said.

“We see this as a long-term investment in east Manchester, creating jobs and other benefits for the local community.”

If plans go ahead for the proposed site at Central Park, off Briscoe Lane, it could bring up to 250 jobs to the area.

Fine Lady Bakeries produces a range of breads, rolls and fruited products such as teacakes, which are supplied to leading supermarket chains, independent retailers, sandwich makers and catering companies.