SUPERMARKET developers have pulled out of a planning inquiry over a proposed Poulton store, less than three weeks before it was due to take place.

But Trinity Investments are still submitting a second, smaller application for the same site at the corner of Station Road and Breck Road.

The company's appeal against Wyre Council's refusal of its original 37,000 sq ft superstore plan had been due to be heard at a four-day public inquiry starting on June 15.

Trinity spokesman David Harrison said Wyre Council's recent decision to invite applications to build a superstore with a rooftop multi-storey car park at the Teanlowe shopping centre, in the heart of Poulton, rendered futile any discussion of the Station Road site.

"The Teanlowe plans are set to change the face of Poulton forever and are the most radical retail solution ever considered for the town," he said.

"We have not taken the decision to withdraw lightly, we considered running with the inquiry but we have been advised that the fate of the Teanlowe Centre must be agreed." They were still committed to their plans for a 27,000 sq ft superstore on the site, he said.

However, since the Teanlowe Centre decision was taken, local elections led to a change of leading party at Wyre Council, from Labour to Conservative. Tory ward councillor Peter Hawley said they would discuss each application as it came forward.

Trinity Investments had applied to postpone the public inquiry, but the Government's Planning Inspectorate refused.

Council planning officers are still processing the second application, awaiting further information from Trinity Investments.

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