PLANS to open a toy store on the out-of-town Whitebirk retail park between Blackburn and Rishton have hit a stumbling block.

Planning officers at Hyndburn Council have recommended Smyths Toys’ plans to sell toys, sports goods and equipment, bikes, electronic games, and other children’s entertainment products are thrown out in their current form.

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Legal advice was sought about the plans after a UK Supreme Court last year said the £16 million complex could only sell bulky, home improvement, and electrical goods.

And in a report to councillors who will meet on Wednesday to discuss the plans, chief planning and transportation officer Simon Prideaux said: “The submitted proposal is unacceptable because it creates the potential for a significant impact on town centres in Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn, and because insufficient information has been provided.”

Peel Holdings’ own the Whitebirk retail park and are responsible for applying for permission to change the use of the site.

Mr Prideaux said Peel Holdings’ planning application is too broad, covering the entire Whitebirk site instead of just unit four.

He said: “It is unfortunate the applicant did not seek advice on this proposal from Hyndburn and Blackburn with Darwen councils before the application was submitted.

“This may have allowed some of the problems associated with the way the application was presented to have been addressed.

“Although the basis for the entire application is the proposed occupation of unit four by Smyths Toys, this is not reflected in the wording, which is seeking to extend the range of goods sold across the entire area of the Peel Centre.”

Capital and Regional, the owners of The Mall in Blackburn have not objected to Smyths’ proposed opening, but did raised concerns about the application’s range.

And Peel Holdings will also be asked to demonstrate that Smyths Toys could not instead open up in the stores soon to be vacated by Marks and Spencer in Broadway, Accrington, and Morrisons in Ringway, also in Accrington.

However, The council has said it could support the plans if they are amended to limit the changes to unit four where Smyths Toys, which has almost 60 stores in the UK and Ireland, wants to set up shop.

Permission has also been sought for a 5,000 sq ft mezzanine floor to be used for storage by the toy giants, and for external alterations, both of which have been recommended for approval.

In documents lodged on behalf of Peel Group, NJL Consulting said: “The mezzanine is sought to ensure Smyths Toys can occupy and trade from the unit to meet their optimum requirements.

“Smyths Toys, like its main competitor Toys R Us, is firmly established within the UK as a retailer selling an extensive range of bulky goods from retail park locations across the country.”

No one from Smyths Toys was available to comment.