A PLAN to build a Sainsbury's supermarket in Darwen has been referred to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Blackburn with Darwen councillors have recommended the scheme be given the go ahead, but referred the final decision to Mr Prescott's Department of Environment, Transport and Regions.

He will decide whether the project should be "called in" for a public inquiry which could take up to six months to complete.

But council planners believe the plans will not go to public inquiry and the final approval will be given inside a month.

The project has long been in the pipeline, but has taken several years to get off the ground after hitting several snags.

It has been referred to the Government department because it does not fit in with pre-set planning guidelines for the Darwen area.

A number of conditions have been placed on the town hall's recommendation to Mr Prescott.

These include the company providing detailed plans of highway works, traffic management, recycling facilities, a conservation scheme and protective fencing.

The store would have a sales area of more than 15,000 sq ft and more than 200 parking spaces would be provided.

Planners believe the new store will help Darwen compete with neighbouring towns.

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