THE Brand Centre in Whitefield has been sold lock, stock and barrel to the company behind the proposed Morrisons supermarket.

Dransfield Properties say the major purchase shows their commitment to developing the town centre, promising a £16 million development, creating 350 jobs.

They have also strengthened their position further by exchanging contracts to purchase Cafe Roma and the Wheatsheaf Pub and buying eight of the 22 properties earmarked for demolition.

The Barnsley-based company revealed they are set to submit a revised planning application to Bury Council. A spokesman said: "We are looking at making some changes in response to concerns raised by members of the public. We are hoping to finalise those changes and re-submit an application within the next couple of days."

The spokesman would not reveal what the changes would be, but the Bury Times understands they are hoping to address the loss of some homes with the construction of some new residential properties.

Dransfield's move has laid down the gauntlet in the battle for the heart of Whitefield. Bury councillors had previously agreed "in principle" to a rival plan for houses and shops, put forward by David McLean Homes, on the site, which also takes in the bus station.

The controversy has caused heated debate, with hundreds of residents coming out to voice their views. Bury South MP Ivan Lewis supports the Morrisons plan, and Dransfield claims strong public support.

The Brand Centre, a former clothing store, has been closed and left derelict for years and forms a vital part of the proposed development. It is understood the building was owned by an investment company based in London.

Managing director of Dransfield Properties, Mark Dransfield, said: "This is a major step forward in assembling the site and shows that we are 100 per cent committed to delivering this important scheme for Whitefield. If the council supports the development, work on the new store can commence by January 2005."

Mr Dransfield said negotiations were on-going with the remaining landowners affected by the plans.

The news comes immediately following Mr Dransfield's attendance at Bury Council's ruling executive on Wednesday (Jan 14).

He was unhappy that a council-commissioned retail study by Drivers Jonas, which will influence council planning policy, says that a "full size" superstore "would not appear to be appropriate", given the proximity of existing stores in Bury.

Councillors did not change the wording, but agreed to add a sentence which accepted that further studies be done and the policy may change.