NEW hope has been given that a major toy shop could open on the outskirts of Blackburn.

Hyndburn councillors had vetoed the plans for a Smyths Toys following concerns it would allow many types of products at the Whitebirk Retail Park which are currently not allowed.

Last year the UK Supreme Court said the complex could only sell bulky, home improvement, and electrical goods following legal action by Hyndburn and Blackburn with Darwen councils.

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In a planning meeting Hyndburn members said the application was too broad because it covered the whole of the park not just that unit. They said the scheme would ‘create the potential for a significant impact on town centres in the area’.

However the owner of the out-of-town retail park has said it is now working with the council to overcome planning obstacles which would allow the store to open.

Peel Land and Property Group said talks with senior planners were now ongoing for the site between Blackburn and Rishton.

When planning permission was refused the council said it could support the plans if they were amended to limit the changes of use to just unit four where Smyths Toys, which has almost 60 stores in the UK and Ireland, wants to set up shop.

Property director at Peel Holdings, Mark Whittaker, said: “From the published recommendation, we have a very clear picture of what is required in order for council officers to support Smyths Toys taking occupation.

“We are working closely with planning and legal officers to ensure all outstanding questions are answered so the proposal, which is an integral element of plans to refurbish the rear terrace of the park, can progress.”

Councillors supported three other applications to refurbish and enhance the rear terrace at unit four.

Mr Whittaker said: “Hyndburn is a prime example of Peel’s continuing commitment to the area and the wider north west economy. We want to invest in an improved retail environment and offer for Hyndburn, providing employment and new business opportunities for the locality and the surrounding areas.”

In August the UK Supreme Court threw out the last-ditch legal attempt by Peel to change Whitebirk into a £16 million shopping complex with food and fashion retailers.

Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn councils together with traders feared Peel’s plans would devastate their own town centre regeneration proposals.

Backed by The Mall Blackburn’s owners Capital and Regional, which is supportive of the Smyth Toys proposal, the authorities held their nerve as Peel escalated the case after Hyndburn council refused planning permission for the change of use in 2005.