A TOWN centre development may never get off the ground after an application to expand an out-of-town complex was given the go-ahead, it was claimed today (November 6).

Developer Gentoo has been granted permission to build a number of shops and restaurants on the site of the former bus depot in North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland.

However, the company believe businesses will shun the project, in favour of the Bishop Auckland Shopping Park, in St Helen Auckland, which also received permission for four extra units.

In a meeting of Durham County Council’s county planning committee today, councillors were told Gentoo had secured no pre-lets for its site and had found interested businesses were waiting to see the outcome of both applications before making a commitment.

Stewart Allen, of Gentoo, said: “I am delighted but not surprised that Gentoo’s scheme received planning consent. I am however a little dismayed that the planning committee also approved the out of town scheme which is in direct conflict with the town centre site.”

The expansion to the out-of-town site has created mixed feelings in the town and in a report planning officers recommended the application should be refused on the grounds it “would have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Bishop Auckland town centre”.

Councillors went against the planning officer’s recommendation to refuse the out-of-town expansion application.

Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Charlie Kay said he was disappointed with the outcome but is determined to continue to fight for the future of the town centre.

“We need to regroup and have a rethink,” he said. “We have to go forward and secure a future for the town centre. As I have said before, doing nothing is not an option.

“Town centres across the country are struggling with the very difficult economic climate and Bishop Auckland is no exception. The last thing they need at this moment is the further expansion of an out-of-town retail.”

County councillor for Bishop Auckland, Neil Harrison, called the approval of the out-of-town scheme a “scandal”, saying it would be of the detriment to the town centre.

However, county councilors for St Helen Auckland, Andy Turner and Rob Yorke said both projects will prove a big boost to the area creating jobs and attracting shoppers.

“I am delighted both schemes were approved and I really hope Gentoo carry on with their commitment to the Bondgate site,” said Coun Yorke. “We all have to work together to make Bishop Auckland sparkle again and there are enough retailers to fill both sites.”

Speaking after the meeting, Chris Wade, chief executive of campaign group Action for Market Towns, said: “Councils across the country need to have confidence to stand-up to inappropriate out-of-town planning proposals and seek sites that fit within the fabric and current retail offer of towns.

"Action for Market Towns has long supported the clear and consistent application of a Town-Centres-First policy as an important tool to help safeguard the vibrancy of our town centres.

“The purpose of such policy is to ensure that, where possible, new retail and other business development fits in to and complements existing town centres rather than competing with it.”