Council down-plays Old Trafford reports

THE Government Office North West has not called in plans for a new Tesco store in Trafford which is central to the redevelopment of Lancashire CC’s Old Trafford ground.

Contrary to reports today that the Government wants to formally scrutinise the plans, and Trafford Council’s decision to allow a 160.000sq ft Tesco near the stadium, the development is still on track.

All that has happened is that the Government Office North West has written to Trafford to inform it that no decision will be taken until after the General Election as it is now in a period of purdah.

The Tesco development is an important cog in the overall scheme, which aims to bring Test cricket back to the North West, by redeveloping and expanding the ageing Old Trafford ground.

The retailer will pay the council more than £20m for the land for its store, which will be invested into the overall project.

The Tesco development is being bitterly opposed by Isle of Man-based company, Derwent Holdings, which has seen its plans for a Sainsbury’s store on the nearby White City retail park rejected by Trafford.