New superstore 'would be a boost for towns'

A public inquiry into plans by Morbaine Ltd to develop land currently occupied by scrap yards and a haulage firm at the junction of Bolton Road and Old Hall Street opened at Bolton Town Hall yesterday.

Despite the scheme already having the approval of Bolton planners, the hearing was ordered by the Secretary of State of the Environment, Transport and the Regions John Prescott because it is considered an out of town shopping development which could affect town centres.

The inquiry, headed by planning inspector Mrs Norah Ball, is expected to last most of the week and will also hear submissions from protesters, including Kearsley Environmental Action Group, who are concerned about the impact of the supermarket on local homes and the extra traffic it will generate. Speaking on behalf of Widnes-based developers Morbaine Ltd, Mr Vernon Pugh QC said the company is currently reserving the exact positioning of the store on the site and will apply for further planning permission at a future date to determine that.

He added that studies on behalf of Morbaine have shown that the presence of the new Kearsley supermarket would not adversely affect other major supermarkets in the area to a great extent and it could even attract more shoppers to Farnworth town centre.

Mr Pugh also argued that the traffic congestion which currently occurs in the area would be eased by the road works which would come as a result of the development. The Bolton Road/Longcauseway junction would be improved and Old Hall Street would be realigned with Bolton Road. Bus services serving the area are frequent and there would be a cycle network with marked lanes and pedestrian crossings included as part of the scheme, said Mr Pugh. Witnesses will be called throughout this week by the developers, council and protesters. A decision on outline planning permission is expected later this year.

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