SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has been refused permission to open a new store in Great Harwood.

Government inspector Phillip Ware concluded there was no longer a need for the store in the town after a £32million Tesco store off Eagle Street, Accrington, was approved following a seperate planning enquiry.

Tesco had proposed building the store on the site currently occupied by the Metflex rubber components factory in Queen Street last year. Hyndburn Council approved the plans but the decision was called in by the govenment planning authority and a public inquiry was held earlier this year.

Traders and the Co-op had objected to the plans but most residents were in favour of the proposals.

Great Harwood’s regeneration board said the refusal of the 45,000sq ft store has put regeneration plans for the town on hold.

The town was promised a cash investment which had been incorporated into Tesco’s planning application.

It included paying £170,000 to upgrade bus stops in the area, a contribution of £25,000 to footpath improvements along the north side of Queen Street and a contribution of £65,000 towards environmental improvements in the town.

It is also thought the new store would create around 150 jobs.

John Duckworth, chairman of Great Harwood regeneration partnership board, said: “The Great Harwood Reneration Partnership Board are hugely disappointed at the news that the Secretary of State has turned down the plans for a new Tesco store in Great Harwood.

“That the reason for refusal appears to be the proximity of the proposed Tesco store in Accrington, seems perverse.

"The Great Harwood plan preceeded that of Accrington.

“I can imagine, but couldn't possibly comment on, what the residents of Great Harwood will think of this backward step for Great Harwood.

“The Regeneration Board is meeting next week to discuss this blow to the future of regeneration of our town."

In his report Inspector Phillip Ware wrote the “need for the current proposal has not been demonstrated.”

Tesco has 60 days to appeal against the decision.

Jennifer Duncan, Corporate Affairs Manager said: "We are disappointed that at this time we will be unable to bring a store to Great Harwood and will be taking time to study the decision notice carefully and consider our options in light of this."

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Group said: "The Co-operative Group is pleased with the Secretary of State's decision to refuse the joint proposal by Hunterswalk Ltd and Tesco Stores Ltd at Great Harwood.

"Our objection to the proposal was based on sound planning policy and the interests of appropriate and proper planning for the future of Great Harwood town centre.

"This decision clearly demonstrates The Co-operative adopts a balanced view backed by sound planning policy reasoning and we will continue to oppose similar developments in future where we believe it is necessary."