A BRIGHT new beginning is in store for Whitefield town centre after plans for a new supermarket were given the go-ahead.

Proposals for the 80,000 sq ft Morrison's store were approved at a meeting of Bury's planning control committee on Tuesday.(12 Oct)

The scheme will include a shopping frontage onto Bury New Road and a 455-space underground car park.

Also part of the plan is a relocation for the Cafe Roma from its present site to one on the corner of Elms Street.

Radical changes were made to the project after a previous application was deferred and later withdrawn.

Alterations included new access layout from Stanley Road and an improved design to create a "landmark building" for Whitefield.

A statement from Bury South MP Ivan Lewis was read at the meeting, urging members to back the store.

He said: "The supermarket will be a catalyst for the development of a vibrant social and commercial centre which Whitefield needs and deserves.

"It will help to end years of decline, boost business investment and ensure that local pensioners and families have access to a high quality food store. Whitefield now stands on the brink of an exciting future."

The scheme will involve the demolition of 18 houses and the Church Inn which presently stand on the three hectare site.

As a departure from the Unitary Development Plan, approval is still needed from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

If this is granted, work will begin next summer and is expected to last for around 12 months.

Concerns about some details of the scheme were voiced at the meeting.

Dr Adrian O'Hare, of Elms Medical Centre, said that, while he was not against the plan, he was unhappy that a proposal for improved access to the centre had been dropped.

Joseph Holts Brewery representative Paul Butler complained that the scheme did not allow for the Church Inn to be retained.

He said: "The building should come down only if it were absolutely essential and in this case it is not."

Speaking in favour of the plan, Coun Sam Cohen said: "I am sure that this will enhance and do justice to Whitefield town centre."

Coun Vic D'Albert said that improvements to the scheme meant that the council had been right to seek changes before approval.

Committee members voted unanimously in favour.

Mark Dransfield, managing director of applicants Dransfield Properties, welcomed the decision.

He said: "Our professional team have worked hard to reach this position and we are grateful for the assistance of Bury Council officials in helping us achieve this impressive design."

A rival application for the site by David McLean Homes has yet to be discussed by Bury planners. It could also be given approval, which would spark a land battle between the two developers.