A SUPERMARKET has applied for permission to open a new store in Bacup despite a row over a planning restriction.

Morrison's wants to convert derelict land in Lee Street into a 2,390sqm superstore with a service yard, car parking, trolley shelters, lighting and landscaping.

But the store giant could be prevented from forging ahead with its plans as the former site owners the Co-op have not lifted a covenant blocking the development.

The Co-op said the four-year-old covenant on the derelict Horace’s nightclub is 'protecting the vitality of Bacup'.

But Paul Nolan, a chartered surveyor working on behalf of Morrison’s, said: “There is no doubt that Bacup would benefit from a new supermarket as the Co-op’s store is simply not big enough.

"When the Office of Fair Trade and Competition Committee complete their investigation and discover the Co-op is the dominant retailer in the area, they will have no option but to overturn the restriction.

“Morrison’s had completed a lot of work on the application when the agreement was in place so they have decided to go ahead with the planning application.

“A lot of time and expenditure has been spent on the plans but any investigation may take up to a year to conclude which Morrison’s can not commit to.”

Morrison's has paid £10,000 to submit their application, which has gained support from local councillors, community group and residents.

A spokesperson for The Co-op said: “The Co-operative Group does not believe that the covenant should be released and we have informed the developers of this.

"We have also advised the developer that they are welcome to refer the matter to the Competition Commission for formal review and we will be more than happy to comply with any determination that they make.”