DEVELOPERS bidding to create a £30m retail complex on the edge of Rawtenstall have urged planners to put shoppers first, claiming 90 per cent of local people back the scheme.

Planning committee members are being recommended to turn down the application from Hurstwood Developments and superstore Tesco for the Newhallhey site, a third of a mile from the town centre. But managing director of Hurstwood John Ashworth has warned: "It is Tesco's policy to appeal and we will be backing them.

"We have waited two-and-a-half years for this decision and at the moment it looks like a committee will decide it.

"This is the biggest thing in Rossendale's history and it should at least be heard and decided by the full Rossendale Council - more than 90 per cent of the public are in favour of it."

He has rejected grounds for refusal put forward by officers, who say the plan contravenes Government transport policies, the area is within the adopted town centre boundary and it is part of Rawtenstall's bid for money from the single regeneration budget.

In an open letter to shoppers in Rossendale, Mr Ashworth writes: "You may be aware that the Rossendale planning officers have recommended to your councillors that the proposed Tesco superstore, drive-through restaurants and non-food retail units at Newhallhey be refused permission with the loss of more than 500 new jobs.

"The main reason stated is that Newhallhey is too far from Bank Street. There are no other sites large enough to accommodate a large Tesco superstore other than Newhallhey. The store would compete directly with Asda who wanted to resite at Newhallhey themselves.

"The officer has recommended approval for the extension of the existing Asda store with a reduction in car parking and surprisingly enough have nodded heads of approval for the council's own retail scheme at the bus station and also with the awaited Ilex Mill development.

"In essence they want no change - just want Rawtenstall to stay as it is. No change, no choice meaning no chance.

"Do you want to carry on with no choice in shopping? Or do you want to go out of town or queue and have no real choice or competition."

Mr Ashworth concludes by asking shoppers to contact their local councillors to push for the Newhallhey decision to be made by the full council.

The plans will be discussed at tomorrow's sub-committee meeting and a decision made at the planning committee on Monday.

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