A PROPERTY developer is at odds with Rossendale Council over who is responsible for delays in starting work on a new supermarket and leisure complex.

Hurstwood Developments, which is being placed into administration as a consequence of the global credit crunch, blamed the council for preventing them from building the proposed Aldi superstore at the New Hall Hey site, in Rawtenstall.

But a spokesman for the local authority said it ‘refutes the allegations’ made by the developer.

Rossendale Council granted Hurstwood permission to build the store on the condition that work can only go ahead once a state-of-the-art leisure centre is opened in the former Kwik Save building on the site.

It also stipulated that Hurstwood Developments, which is owned by the Hurstwood Group, must find someone to run the 30,000 sq ft health centre before the proposed 17,825 sqft supermarket can be occupied.

Earlier this week Hurstwood Group chairman Stephen Ashworth, vowed to complete the New Hall Hey development despite Hurstwood Developments and Hurstwood Facilities Management, which are two of its construction firms, being placed into administration.

Now he has slammed the council for their conduct over the last few months.

He said: “There will be a delay over the coming weeks, which even before the events of this week was becoming increasingly inevitable because of the attitude and actions of Rossendale Borough Council.

“Over the last 12 months they have completely smothered us in red tape on that particular scheme. On more than one occasion we have had agreements ripped up at the eleventh hour that has left us totally frustrated.”

Mr Ashworth added: “The plain truth is that with a more helpful council New Hall Hey could have been finished six months ago.”

However, council bosses refused to take responsibility. A spokesman said: “The planning process is complex but as Hurstwood’s have shown in the past they are experienced at managing the process.

“Completely unregulated development at New Hall Hey would have a detrimental impact on business in Rawtenstall Town Centre.

“It is important that strong and robust legal agreements are in place in order to ensure that the New Hall Hey site is developed in a way which will benefit the whole community.”

"Our sympathies go to those at the company who are losing their jobs but the council cannot be blamed for a global economic downturn that is beyond our control."