Blackburn lobbies for Tithebarn inquiry
BLACKBURN with Darwen Council is lobbying local businesses to support its call for a public inquiry after a controversial £700m shopping centre in neighbouring Preston was approved by planning chiefs.
The council, which fears its own local area will lose shops and jobs as a result of the competing Tithebarn scheme, is asking the Secretary of State to call-in the scheme after Preston Council’s planning committee voted in favour of the Grosvenor/Lend Lease proposals two weeks ago.
Mike Lee, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We do not want to prevent regeneration in Preston but the size of the development is too big and will damage our town. We want a public inquiry so all our concerns can be looked into.”
Blackburn with Darwen Council, along with Blackpool Council, have already voiced opposition to the scale of the scheme which includes large-scale demolition and re-building work, creating a John Lewis store, a new bus station and a revamped market, as well as up to 90 shops.
The council, which has commissioned a report on the effects of the scheme, believes around 570 retail jobs will be lost if Tithebarn goes ahead as Blackburn’s retail turnover would drop by more than £31m.
Cllr Lee added: “We are currently in the grip of a severe recession. People will not have the money to shop that Preston claims they will.
“The success of our town centre is crucial for the regeneration of Blackburn. Major retailers would not invest in Blackburn if they have a flag ship store in Preston or reduce the range and quality of goods they have on offer.”
The plans will now have to be given the green light by the Government. The Secretary of State can either approve them or refer them to an inquiry where an inspector will look at all the issues.
Cllr Lee said: “While Tithebarn might benefit Preston from further investment, regionally this will have zero benefit as it will be at the expense of Blackburn and Blackpool. The Government will only end up having to plough more money into Blackburn to support regeneration and the effects of economic decline.”
