PLANS for a controversial superstore in a market town have been given the go- ahead.

The 45,000sq ft store will now be built on the site currently occupied by the Metflex rubber components factory factory in Queen Street, Great Harwood.

The factory will be demolished to make way for the new supermarket with the firm looking to relocate to a more suitable site in the town.

The plans faced stiff opposition from the start. Retailers and residents claimed Great Harwood will become a ghost town as the store would ruin small local businesses.

Coun Nick Collingridge told Hynburn Council's planning committee: "Great Harwood will die. In other towns Tesco has driven small and large businesses out.' More than 600 people signed a petition and 400 letters were sent in to Hyndburn Council to oppose the plans. Only 22 letters of support were received.

Objections were also made by neighbouring Blackburn with Darwen Council, due to the development's size.

The North West Regional Assembly lodged an objection because there is already sufficient retail provision in Great Harwood.

But councillors voted five to three in favour of the plans.

The single-storey shop will sell groceries and electrical goods. It will house a coffee shop and have provision for 349 car parking spaces.

Residents concerns about an increase of traffic into the town centre are to be met with the introduction of a mini roundabout and traffic lights will be installed at the junction of Whalley Road and Hyndburn Road.

It is thought the new store will create around 150 jobs.