OBJECTIONS to Burnley’s £40m shopping centre have been lodged because of its design and location.

Councillors will consider the plans from Manchester-based Henry Boot Developments next week to transform the former Pioneer car park, in Curzon Street.

The development will see big name stores enter the town, with Next and Primark as anchor tenants.

A report to councillors recommends the scheme should be given approval, which would mean work could start in the late summer.

But several objections have been lodged, with the town’s civic trust saying it could cause traffic congestion and the design of the buildings are poor.

Meanwhile traders in Curzon Street said a loss of parking spaces and traffic restrictions could affect their businesses.

The town’s Chamber of Trade and bosses at the town’s other shopping centre, Charter Walk, said they supported the plans if traffic problems were dealt with and improvements were made to the access ramp at the market hall.

Sue Graham, head of planning at Burnley Council, said: “In principle, a retail development of this scale is acceptable on this allocated retail site as the development secures sustainable economic growth of a size commensurate with the status of Burnley as a sub-regional centre.”

The development will include 400 parking spaces in an underground car park.

The plans will be discussed at the development control committee meeting next Thursday.