A MULTI-MILLION pound retail leisure complex on the Frontierland site in Morecambe has been given the go ahead by planners.

But the ambitious Morrison's project, which could create up to 150 new jobs, now has to go to the Secretary of State for final approval.

The development consists of factory outlets and a landscaped plaza - a mini version of the Freeport concept which has proved so popular in Fleetwood.

Tourism chiefs and most councillors believe the development will boost the resort's tourist trade but the County Council and police have signalled concerns about the plans while Morecambe's Chamber of Trade has voiced very strong objections.

Despite claims by the developers that the factory outlet centre would generate £8 million worth of spin-off trade, the chamber fear rows of empty units on the promenade or, if the units are successfully let, major traffic problems and trade being taken away from the town centre.

But Morrison's Property Management Director, Mr Roger Owen, said the multi-million pound development was an opportunity for the whole of Morecambe to attract more visitors.

He said: "These proposals will bring people back into Morecambe and bring in money. The rest is up to Morecambe itself."

Morrisons' plan to keep and refurbish the Polo Tower, which will become an integral feature of their proposals, and the scheme also includes a food court, a new bus service, rail links and cycle routes.

Tourism Chairman, Cllr June Ashworth, said: "It is a marvellous opportunity for the town and with the planned linkages, visitors will move out from the new centre into the town and along the promenade. In that way the new development will have a halo effect that will benefit all retail and tourism operators in the resort."

At the same meeting, councillors threw out plans to create an Aldi discount store on the promenade. The chain has resubmitted plans to develop a discount supermarket at the site of the Empire buildings but planning committee members backed officers in rejecting the scheme as inappropriate for that location.

Cllr Tricia Heath said: "We welcome Aldi's interest in coming to Morecambe but feel they should examine more suitable sites."