A COMPROMISE in the battle of the supermarkets was reached this week when the green light was given to Great Harwood Co-op to extend its store.
The approval came only a matter of weeks after Hyndburn Council’s Planning Committee had granted permission to supermarket giant Tesco to build a store just a few hundred yards along the road.
The application by the Queen Street store will see its floor space extended by 27 per cent, reducing its car parking by 113 spaces.
Co-op bosses sent an official letter of objection to the Government last month after Hyndburn Council’s controversial decision to approve plans for the new Tesco store.
The Co-op has become increasingly concerned about the threat to its business once Tesco is established in the area.
Commenting after the plan was passed this week, a Co-op spokesman told the Observer "We are pleased to have had the support of the officers and councillors in recommending our proposal for approval.’’
The Planning Committee received no letters of objection from residents, businesses or rival supermarket Tesco to the Co-op’s plans for expansion.
Councillor Janet Storey said: "I have absolutely no problem with this application. I think it’s a good move for the Co-op."
