A MAJOR £30m plan to build a vast leisure complex in Speke looks set for approval – despite strong opposition.

New Mersey Leisure, featuring three hotels, a multiplex cinema, bars and restaurants, would be built on 14-acres of a 49-acre brownfield site near the New Mersey Retail Park, in Speke.

Developers Benmore Group anticipate the project would create 325 permanent jobs and pump £5.5m per year into the local economy.

But the scheme, listed for approval at Liverpool council’s planning committee on Tuesday, has met with concern from car manufacturer Ford and major developer Peel.

Ford sub-leases land on the proposed site from ANSA Logistics to store up to 4,000 vehicles transported there by the adjacent freight rail network.

In a letter of objection backed by the union Unite, Ford said the jobs of 188 workers linked to the site could be jeopardised if the scheme is progressed.

Through solicitors Cushman and Wakefield, the firm told the council: “Ford has categorically established that there is no other suitable affordable rail-connected site that is able to support the current operation locally.