Whitworth shop plan draws 85 complaints (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Whitworth shop plan draws 85 complaints

4:45pm Thursday 11th April 2013 in Blue Square Premier By Chris Adams

A RETAIL development earmarked for the centre of Whitworth has attracted 85 complaints from neighbours.

The site, on the corner of Mills Street and Market Street, was occupied by Lords Caterers before being demolished in late 2011 when the catering firm moved to a different premises in Mills Street.

Rossendale Council planning officers have recommended the new 279sqm store for approval, despite rejecting a similar application last November.

Among those opposed to the project are Whitworth Town Council and the Co-operative store in nearby Thornylea.

They list grievances including a lack of manoeuvering space for lorries and the noise which would be generated by extra traffic.

A statement from the Co-operative said: “The Co-op considers the proposed access and servicing arrangements to be deficient.

“The scheme would therefore have the potential for not only significant implications for wider highway safety but also the ability of deliveries and customers to gain access to our existing store car park and delivery yard.”

The proposed store, which will include 17 car parking spaces and one space for a bicycle, has also prompted 20 letters of support.

In his planning and design statement, developer Mike Moss, of Stockport firm WRE Estates, said: “At this stage no end user has been identified.

“As such the application considers the potential use of the retail unit for both convenience and comparison goods. It is considered that this will maximise the site’s development potential and the applicant’s ability to attract a retail operator.

“Overall, the proposed development is in full accordance with the development plan and national planning policy, and offers a type, scale and quality of development suitable for the site and its location.”

Any retailer that signs up to the site could have daily opening hours from 7am to 11pm.

The council’s development control committee will vote on the issue on Tuesday.