12:00pm Thursday 24th May 2012
A PLANNING inspector has given the go-ahead for an out-of-town supermarket in Trafford Retail Park, after rejecting claims that it would hit trade in Urmston and Stretford.
Developer Peel Holdings was given the green light at the appeal to open a 7,426 sq m store on Neary Way, which is a mile from Urmston town centre.
Trafford's planning committee turned down the application in February last year, on the grounds that it would hit trade in Urmston, and also in Stretford town centre which is about four miles away.
Peel appealed against the decision and inspector John Gray has concluded that a new store would not be a threat to the town centres.
His report said: "Put very simply, there would be no harm to the vitality and viability of Urmston or Stretford town centres that could justify dismissal of the appeal."
Labour group leader, Cllr David Acton, who spoke against the application last year, told Messenger this week that the approval was 'devastating news'.
He said: "They are killing our town centres with these out-of-town shopping centres.
"I am absolutely astounded by this decision. It will have a massive impact on Urmston town centre, drawing people away from the town centre at a time when the council is trying to regenerate Urmston.
"This was unanimously rejected by the council through the planning process and the inspector has ridden roughshod across local democracy in granting this."
Trafford Council and Peel Holdings declined to comment about the decision.
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