DEVELOPERS have denied that their proposed commercial park at Guide would clash with another project for a new cinema and leisure park behind Blackburn railway station.

Arrowcroft North West bosses have told a public inquiry that their plans for a hotel, petrol filling station, pub sport/health centre and tennis courts near Haslingden Road did not clash with the project for the Audley area, which has been granted planning permission.

Peel Holdings, who are behind the cinema project, had written to the Government and the council objecting to the plans.

But Arrowcroft say that because they are not planning to build a cinema there is no clash between the two schemes.

The Peel scheme is part of the council's town centre regeneration plan which aims to extend the shopping area southwards and beyond the railway station.

A retail park is close to being built near Russell Street and will be opened in August. It too is part of the plan to shift the focus of the town centre. Plans are to be set in motion to prevent motorists using town centre roads as a through route, so the area can be made more pedestrian friendly to link the Boulevard, railway station and Audley areas better with the town centre.

Peel bosses have declined to comment further on their objection to the proposed Guide scheme.

Blackburn with Darwen Councillors yesterday told the public inquiry at Queen's Park High School why they believe the scheme, which could create up to 1,400 jobs, should be given the green light.

They were followed by residents who are presenting their case against the development to the government inspector.

Residents say the development will ruin the environment near their homes, generate huge amounts of traffic and submerge Guide into Blackburn with the consequent loss of the village's character.

Arrowcroft have put their case, saying Blackburn needs a development of the kind proposed and the M65 corridor is the ideal area to build it.

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