A DEAL could be struck to breathe new life into Rawtenstall’s ‘mothballed’ New Hall Hey retail park, it has emerged.

Administrators who took over Hurstwood Development’s interest in the half-built site say they have been left in a quandary.

Around £1.2million is needed to complete the shopping side of the New Hall Hey development, Rossendale Council has been told.

But the planning permission for the ‘gateway’ into Rawtenstall, which also includes leisure and business units, says a 1,615 sq m office complex has to be built within 18 months of the retail stores opening.

Site agent Jonathan Dunbavin, of Leeds-based ID Planning, acting for the banks, says that this would place an additional £1.5million burden on any would-be developers.

In a statement to Rossendale Council he said: “The requirements of the condition are unduly onerous on the banks.

“And if the condition remains then it would result in the banks not putting further investment into this gateway site, with the result that it would mothballed, as is, for a number of years.”

Mr Dunbavin says there is interest from a number of major firms for the half-built units, including Argos, Next and Pets At Home.

The planning agency asked for a study from business consultants Eddisons who claims there is little interest in such office developments in the valley.

He is suggesting an alternative condition is drafted, requiring developers to be actively marketing the site for offices, while the retail units are finished.

If there is a viable proposition coming forward, he adds, then the units should be completed within 18 months.

The proposals have been the result of ongoing discussions between Rossendale council and the administrators.

Another application has been made for a similar planning condition, which was attached to the redevelopment of the Heritage Arcade, in Bacup Road, and nearby DSS Club.