8:30pm Thursday 25th February 2010
PLANS for a Tesco superstore in Padiham are set to overcome their first hurdle next week.
The controversial proposal for a 30,000 square foot store, which would create 150 jobs, is to be heard by councillors on Burnley’s development control committee next Thursday.
And officers have recommended that the final decision be passed up to national Government level.
The ‘eco-store’ plans, for the former Baxi site in Wyre Street, have been heavily criticised by residents and traders, who launched a campaign to protect independent shops.
Cathy Ryder, head of planning and environment for the council, said some town centre businesses could close because of the store.
In a report on the plans she said: “A new foodstore would effectively function as part of the town centre and should encourage linked trips due to its good accessibility.
“The foodstore would represent a major positive investment in the town centre.
“The positive impacts of a new store need to be balanced against the potential negative impacts and it is possible that some existing shops will close following the opening of the store.”
A host of objections to the plans have been received, including a petition from the Padiham town centre partnership with 280 signatures, and around 600 pre-printed objections forms from local residents.
The Burnley Civic Trust is also opposing the plans, because it feels the store would change the character of Padiham “out of all recognition” and create increased levels of traffic on Burnley Road.
Deborah Hayeems, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: “We believe the scheme will bring huge additional benefits to the rest of the town.”
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