TESCO is drumming up support in Burnley town centre for plans for a new supermarket in Centenary Way and the creation of 300 jobs.

It has set up a trade stand in the pedestrianised area of town asking people to fill in a coupon saying whether they are in favour of a Tesco foodstore for the site.

The application and the promise of 300 full-time and part-time jobs was initially scheduled for consideration by Burnley Council's development control and highways sub-committee on Thursday, July 29.

But a spokesman for the planning office said it was now unlikely as the responses to the consultations are not likely to be received in time to prepare a report.

"We have not yet decided on the officers' recommendation but a report will be prepared as soon as possible,'' the spokesman added.

The application involves providing a new junction at the Keirby roundabout end of the site, 439 car parking spaces and separate delivery road from Finsley Gate.

David Gelder, who works for the architects on the project, said: "So far, everything has been positive, there has been no negative comment whatsoever.''

Tesco corporate affairs manager Martin Venning has confirmed Tesco has bought the site. If permission is granted the new store would fill the Jewson builders' merchants and vacant BT site at Centenary Way.

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