AROUND 50 protestors opposed to Tesco’s plans for a mega size store in Gorsehill waved placards outside last week’s full council meeting at Stretford Town Hall.

Residents campaigning against the supermarket’s proposal for a 140,000 square foot store, linked to the redevelopment of Lancashire County Cricket Club, also chanted at councillors arriving for the meeting where a motion had been submitted by the Labour Group calling for a rethink.

Tesco’s plans - which are supported by Trafford Council’s ruling Tory group - would also see a new city academy replace Stretford High School and Lostock College, but involves the council selling a playing field to Tesco and giving the cash to LCCC, thus allowing the club to bring the stadium up to test cricket standards.

Labour leader Cllr David Acton told the meeting: “I think the deal that’s been worked out is complicated and complex, and not only that, this is the first time we’ve seen the council putting money into a private members’ club.

“I think this council is in danger of looking like it’s selling planning permission.

“This entire deal needs much more scrutiny, and I urge the executive to take a step back and look at it again properly, and then come back to this council.”

After the meeting, council leader, Matt Colledge responded: "As has previously been stressed, all planning applications are considered and decided on by the planning committee, following due process.

“It’s acknowledged that the proposed redevelopment and regeneration of Lancashire County Cricket Club involves complex issues.

“I want to reassure everyone involved there will be extensive consultation as part of the planning process, but this cannot happen until the planning committee has actually received the anticipated planning application.

“I absolutely refute any suggestions that the outcome of the committee's deliberations is already known, or that there has been anything untoward in our conduct.

“Once the formal planning application is received then, and only then, can consultation and deliberations begin. As previously explained, it is not expected that the planning committee will come to a view about the application until early in the new year.”