A BUSINESSMAN at the centre of a deli bar planning row was today given hope of an 11th hour reprieve.

Councillors meet tomorrow to decide the fate of Ian Finch's Puccino's business in King William Street, Blackburn -- a year after they first refused him planning permission.

His initial planning application, submitted after the franchise opened, was thrown out last year on the grounds that another non-retail venue could jeopardise the vitality of the shopping area.

Now officers have once again recommended the planning committee refuses the scheme on the grounds that Mr Finch is operating an A3 business -- hot food -- in premises earmarked for A1 -- retail.

But, unusually for a council planning report, it mentions what conditions officers would like to see imposed if councillors go against their recommendation and opt for approval.

And Tory regeneration spokesman Alan Cottam, said: "I would be disappointed for this guy if it was refused, especially after he had been told to re-apply. The council can't just let the big money boys, like the Halifax, have their own way and stamp on the smaller guy.

"However, it would set a precedent."

Ray Goldstone, chairman of the Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: "If he has submitted the planning application and he is operating properly, they should let him remain open."

Blackburn with Darwen Council's original decision came less than a year after it approved a planning application for the Halifax building society to move into a much larger, more prominent retail unit -- the old Burton Menswear store, also in King William Street.

After the planning and highways committee ordered Mr Finch to shut his business down, he began a massive petition. More than 3,000 signatures were collected and presented to the council, along with dozens of letters which appeared in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Mr Finch was then urged to re-submit his planning application by the then planning chairman Coun Frank Connor and was told it would be considered "in light of public support." Today, Mr Finch, of Wheatley Lane Road, Barrowford, said: "My only hope now is that the councillors on the committee see sense.

"I know we should have got the planning permission first, but I really didn't think we needed it, otherwise I would have done it.

"I've had so much support so far from people, I only hope it continues."

Councillors are also aware that many town hall employees use Puccino's during the day -- making the prospect of closing it down even more embarrassing.

Councillors who sit on the planning and highways committee, including current chairman Coun Dave Smith, cannot comment on plans before they go to committee.