I WOULD like to thank residents for their observations on the planning application for a proposed supermarket development in Queen Street, Great Harwood.

A large number have engaged in the public consultation and debate which are essential aspects of the planning process.

Two or three observers have made claims about the council's handling of this application which are entirely false and have not been substantiated. I can reassure all your readers that the local planning authority has made no decision whatsoever about the proposed supermarket development and is unlikely to do so for several weeks.

I have arranged for a detailed analysis to be undertaken by external consultants regarding the potential retail impact of the proposal and I am obtaining specialist advice regarding traffic generation and highway issues. I am also carefully examining the legal implications arising from any incursion into Windsor Park recreation ground.

Negotiations with Dransfield Properties Ltd and Safeway plc, regarding the possible sale of council-owned land are at an early stage.

Any sale would be conditional on planning permission being obtained, the replacement of the public library and pre school provision, equivalent reinstatemernt of the parkland and relocation of displaced business users.

No land transaction will take place at a discounted price, as alleged by one report writer. It would be unlawful to do so and contrary to the council's high standards of ethical conduct.

Three weeks ago, I invited the author of these smears to defend them in face-to-face discussion. Thus far, that invitation has not been accepted.

Council officers are examining the Safeway application honestly and openly, taking full account of the wide ranging public views expressed. We must not and will not jump to premature conclusions. A thorough and balanced assessment will be presented to the development services committee in due course, enabling councillors to make a reasoned decision.

NIGEL RIX, Director of Regeneration, Hyndburn Council.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.