A PUBLIC inquiry has opened into a controversial shopping scheme at the "gateway" into Bolton.

The Fulcrum Property Development Company is appealing against Bolton Council's decision to refuse planning permission for a £30 million development.

The company wanted to build the retail park on land bordered by Turton Street, Kay Street and Waterloo Street.

It was turned down by Bolton's planning councillors who claimed it would lead to a loss of industrial land on part of the site.

It is at the end of St Peter's Way and it was claimed that it would re-vitalise a derelict site at the gateway to the town centre and create more than 200 new jobs.

But Fulcrum managing director Graham Richardson was furious when Bolton Council turned down the application after just "seconds" of discussion.

In addition, another application from Helical Retail Ltd for part of the site, land formerly Bolton Brady, was later approved.

Miss Frances Patterson, representing Fulcrum, said that the scheme would "add vitality to the town centre" and help Bolton combat the threat of the Trafford Centre which is due to open next year.

"I do not think there is any doubt that this site is suitable for retail development."

She said that three firms which are currently on the part of the site which is in dispute would re-locate into the Tonge Valley and the scheme would secure their futures.

The public inquiry is expected to last two days.

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