AN APPEAL by supermarket giant Tesco against the refusal of planning permission for a supermarket in Barnoldswick has been thrown out.

Plans for a Tesco superstore, off Wellhouse Road, in partnership with Leggett and Platt Springs, were rejected by councillors in August.

At that meeting three separate applications for large supermarkets in the town were considered, with a scheme to tie in with the redevelopment of the Albert Hartley site, in Skipton Road, given the green light.

Coun Jenny Purcell said: “It is good news for Barnoldswick. We want to keep the smaller traders operating. It is an individual town.”

Planning inspector Philip Asquith: "Given the important current role of the Co-op as an anchor for the town centre and my views on the likely cumulative effects of two large-format stores on it and consequent reduction in footfall, on balance, I consider there to be a strong probability of a substantial impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre."