AUDITORS investigating allegations of malpractice by Hyndburn Council are to launch a formal inquiry into the handling of a major planning application during the run-up to the borough elections.

The claims of malpractice relate to supermarket giant Safeway's plans to build a supermarket in Great Harwood, which were announced by the council in March.

A team of independent auditors from Yorkshire-based Robson Rhodes were called in by the council and scrutinised the activity of council officers, following a request for an investigation by independent councillor Adrian Shurmer.

Preliminary inquiries, which have already cost some £17,000, began at Hyndburn Council last month, and a formal investigation will now be made.

Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe told a full council meeting the investigation would focus on issues connected with the timing of the proposed Safeway supermarket planning application and the manner in which it was subsequently handled.

Coun Shurmer, who won the Netherton seat from former council leader George Slynn, asked senior council workers to call in the auditors after presenting evidence about what he believed were irregularities in planning matters and other issues.

The planning application, by development firm Dransfield Properties Ltd, was made in March, and a public exhibition on behalf of Safeway and the developers at the town's library in April.

Coun Slynn, council leader at the time, praised the scheme's potential when it was announced and Hyndburn planning officers attended the subsequent exhibition, held about a fortnight before the borough elections, involving Coun Slynn.

Safeway later pulled out of the deal, leaving the door open for United Norwest Co-op, who look likely to get permission to build a new store in Queen Street.

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