SUPERMARKET giant Asda has thrown a spanner in the works of the plans of a rival retailer for a new store in Rossendale.

An application for proposals to build a store on the site of the present Asda in Bocholt Way was due to be passed at a meeting last Thursday.

But the scheme has been delayed after Asda Stores Ltd, which is currently building a new store in St Mary's Way, objected to the plans.

Planning bosses said Asda, now part of American chain Walmart, had objected to the plans because of fears there would be too many supermarkets in the area if they were passed.

Site owners Manchester-based Peel Developments Ltd want to demolish the current Asda store and replace it with a new supermarket and associated car parking, after Asda moves into its own new store in St Mary's Way. But the name of the chain which wants to take on the site has not been revealed.

The new store, if it gets the go-ahead, would be just a few hundred yards away from the replacement Asda store which is under construction.

And the former Lancashire Homes and Gardens, in nearby Haslingden, is also earmarked as a new Tesco store.

Brian Sheasby, head of planning at Rossendale Council, said: "The plans for the Bocholt Way site were deferred because we are seeking legal advice on the substance of objections received.

"They relate to how the application was assessed in terms of retail capacity in the town and impact on other stores. The objections were received from Asda Stores Ltd.

"We hope the matter will be resolved by the time of the next development control meeting."

The plans will be discussed at Rossendale Council's development control committee on February 3.