CAMPAIGNERS in Guide have been given two important dates in their bid to stop a huge retail development overwhelming their village.

The Government has decided that a public inquiry will take place on July 26 into the project to create a hotel, petrol station, car showroom and a sport centre.

And campaigners have now been told that if they wish to speak at that inquiry, then they should attend a pre-inquiry meeting at Blackburn town hall on Monday at 2pm. Meanwhile, June 5 is the deadline for those opposed to the project to lodge objections with the Government.

The village action group has said it is disappointed the planning inspectorate has chosen July 26 for the inquiry as many people will be away on holiday.

Arrowcroft North West, the development arm of United Utilities, is behind the scheme on land near Haslingden Road, if the inquiry inspector gives the green light.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee referred proposals to to the government and planning chiefs decided their should be a full inquiry.

Permission for a housing estate near Haslingden Road has already been given the go ahead. Villagers are also campaigning against several other developments in their area, including plans for more industrial units at Walker Park, which the council has also referred to the government for a final decision.

The council earmarked much of the land adjoining the M65 extension for development before the new section of motorway was built.

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