A TESCO superstore could be built on the site of a former shopping centre.

Developers, Cathco Property Group, have applied for planning permission to build a 92,548 sq ft superstore, including 480 car parking spaces, at the site off Longcauseway in Farnworth.

Although an announcement is yet to be made to confirm which of the supermarket giants will take the store over, local sources have suggested it will be Tesco.

Not everybody has welcomed the news however. Farnworth councillor, James Lord, said the site - formerly home of the Farnworth Neighbourhood Centre, which closed in April 2006 - would better-used as a retail park or for affordable housing.

Cllr Lord said: "There are rumours that it is going to be a Tesco store.

"There used to be a Kwik Save on the site, but I am not happy with another superstore - there are enough in Farnworth already.

"It will also cause problems with traffic because Longcauseway and Albert Road are very busy.

"In my opinion the land would be better used for a small retail park or affordable housing for first time buyers."

Cathco Property Group already has one Tesco store, in Ruthin, Wales, in its £75 million property portfolio.

A planning statement on behalf of the developer for its Farnworth plans, said: "One of the leading foodstore operators will trade from the store which will cater for the bulk of shopping needs of those living in and around Farnworth.

"The foodstore itself will be of a modern design, with the exterior consisting of a striking glazed entrance canopy, providing shoppers with an attractive environment.

"It will provide an essential service to a mixed use area and is appropriately designed and sited. It will bring into active use previously developed land."

The Farnworth Neighbourhood Centre included Superdrug, Kwik Save, B&M Bargains, a pet shop, a curtain shop and a cafe. It was plagued by vandals and targeted by arsonists when it closed, but it has now been demolished.