MULTI-MILLION pound plans to regenerate Stretford are expected to be submitted to Trafford Council next week.

The ambitious project will see a super-size 146,000 sq ft Tesco built on Chester Road, the redevelopment of Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford ground and a new city academy school.

Council chiefs say they are fully backing the scheme – which will create more than 600 jobs and pour £16m back in to the local economy every year.

But the proposals have already met local opposition with more than 50 residents meeting on Monday night to discuss ways to oppose the deal.

The first phase of the LCCC’s redevelopment work is already under way, and a planning application is due to be submitted for the second phase next week.

If approved, it would transform the club into one of the country’s premier sporting destinations, and allow the ground to be used for test match cricket by 2013.

The planning application for these proposals also include a huge Tesco store on Chester Road, as an extension to a site they have previously been granted planning permission for – but which was refused a number of years ago.

An Academy from the merger of Stretford High School and Lostock College would also be created as well as improvements to highways and increased access to sporting opportunities.

Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Matt Colledge, pictured, said: “This is a very exciting time for Stretford and its residents. The potential redevelopment of LCCC has been a catalyst for this regeneration and will continue to be a major factor.

“If the second phase plans are approved and the necessary consents are obtained, we can begin the task of shaping the regeneration of this area for the benefit of the borough’s national and international sporting reputation, tourism and ultimately for the community.

“The potential redevelopment of LCCC has been a catalyst for this regeneration planning and will continue to be a major factor in it.

“Hosting Test cricket in Trafford brings some £7m – £8m per event, this is in addition to the economic benefits that would be created through wider regeneration in terms of jobs.

“The benefits for educational improvement will be realised through the potential establishment of an Academy in Stretford which will enhance the opportunities for students and improve access to training and sporting facilities which will ultimately improve health.”

But at Monday’s meeting, critics said the council had made a U-turn by accepting Tesco’s plans for a massive store – 50 per cent bigger than a previous application booted out in 2003 for breaching planning policy.

Trafford’s Labour councillors have also expressed deep concern at the plans, with group leader Cllr David Acton saying: “The Conservatives have decided on this action without consulting local people, Trafford council tax payers or local councillors. Although I support LCCC’s desire to regenerate their ground and to seek support from a variety of funding streams, the simple fact is, that LCCC is a private members club and part of their proposal is to develop improved corporate and members facilities.

“I therefore seriously question whether council funding should be used for such purposes.”