OPPOSITION is growing to plans to build a major leisure complex on the outskirts of Blackburn.

Developers are lining up rival bids for leisure and business parks based around a multi-plex cinema in East Lancashire.

They claim anywhere between 300 and 3,000 jobs could be created if their scheme goes ahead.

The M65 extension has attracted development companies to the area and plans have been drawn up for vacant sites in Whitebirk, Greenbank and Darwen.

Blackburn Town Hall has already given its backing to a multi-million pound development in Greenbank despite opposition from neighbouring Hyndburn and Lancashire County Council.

Two of the rival schemes are set to be the subject of public inquiries and the final is decision is likely to be made by the Department of the Environment.

But a major report by the Council for the Protection of Rural England has criticised out of town developments.

The 'Planning More to Travel Less' report from the CPRE was published today. Lilli Matson, head of transport at the CPRE, said: "National planning policies increasingly endorse the need to protect the countryside from over development and to reduce the reliance on cars.

"Out of town business parks, cinemas and shopping centres continue to get planning permission, while opportunities to regenerate the heart of our towns and cities go begging."

Conservatives at County Hall are backing the campaign to protect town centre trade.

Pat Case, leader of Conservatives on the County Council, also believes East Lancashire's town centres need more protection.

The Conservatives are promising to revitalise run-down town centres by encouraging family entertainment and leisure facilities.

They also want to halt the slump in trade and encourage the return of community-based shopping and are calling for safe, cheap parking close to major shopping centres.

She said: "The quality of urban life needs vigorous protection and pro-active co-operation with the Police Authority, borough councils, chambers of commerce and civic and environmental groups."

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