AN AGENT acting on behalf of developers has slammed planners who turned down an application for a new superstore in Atherton.

Town centre traders breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday when Wigan's development control committee rejected proposals for a supermarket on the former Howe Bridge Mill site -- which planning officers had recommended for approval.

But agent Bill Lowe, of Oldham-based Inside Out Design, acting on behalf of developers Realty Estates Ltd, was amazed by the decision to dismiss on the grounds that it would affect town centre viability and pose potential traffic dangers regarding future blueprints for the area.

He said: "I find it incredible how they could do this. I have been led to believe it would go through. I am totally disgusted by the quality of service.

"They have had since August to consider this. It has previously gone to committee and been deferred. The whole planning system is a shambles. Any experienced planning officer should only have taken minutes to pinpoint potential problems which were highlighted at the meeting."

The store plan had stirred a protest among Atherton business people who were concerned that a major retail store at that location would kill off trade in the heart of town.

After hearing news of the rejection traders' group member Brian Monks, who runs the Crown Barbecue in the main street, said: "It's good news. What's the point of carrying out major regeneration work in the town centre then having a store built on the outskirts. Atherton has a belting town -- why kill it off?"

And Sheila Thompson said the planners' decision was a step in the right direction: "My concern is that the town centre serves a community which can't travel out of the area to shop.

"We have provided a personal service to the community for 30 years and the town's small businesses provide unbeatable prices and a service people of this area need. Any new jobs created by a supermarket development at Flapper Fold Lane would probably be lost from the main street."

At the planning meeting, town councillor Mrs Sue Loudon expressed her concerns: "The continuing viability of Atherton town centre, and shops on the Hag Fold estate which are vital to community life, are major concerns regarding this proposal.

"Almost a fifth of town centre shops are empty -- what would it be like if they put a supermarket on the mill site? It would act as a barrier. People from the estate might be inclined to visit such a store and not venture any further south."

Town centres co-ordinator Annette Root also spoke on behalf of traders.

She later said: "I think the retailers will be relieved -- a new supermarket would not bring any more trade in it would just carve-up an existing market."

As the Journal went to press Realty Estates Ltd were considering whether to lodge an appeal, which they have to do within six months.