NEW plans for a large store development on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland could signal the start of an out of town retail boom, traders say.

The application for a 30,000sq ft non-food retail unit off Watling Road, Tindale Crescent, has sparked rumours of a mass shake-up which may see the arrival of two big names and a move by the town's DIY stores.

A spokesman for The Co-op confirmed it owns the land where the store will be built but said there are no plans to move its town centre outlet to the development site.

He said: "We have owned the land there, which is next to our funeral home, for about ten years.

"A property developer is interested in developing our land and the adjoining land for retail use but the Co-op is not involved with the development in any way. We already have a store in the town centre."

There are also two further applications for a Homebase store and restaurant and a new B&Q on neighbouring land, which is currently occupied by Keen Replicas.

Margaret Ellis, of Bishop Auckland Chamber of Trade, said that there had been rumours in the town for some time that B&Q was looking to move from its existing site near the station to the Tindale Crescent area.

She said: "I have heard that B&Q wants to move and another company is looking to move as well.

"I have no qualms with that sort of business being up there on the outskirts of the town but anything retail should be in the town centre."

It is also understood that a major clothing chain has shown an interest in the present B&Q site.

Town centre manager Derek Toon would not be drawn on the rumours but confirmed he had seen planning applications for the Keen Replicas site from both B&Q and Homebase.

He said: "Obviously, we will be sorry to lose B&Q from the town centre and hope that we can fill that unit as quickly as we possibly can."

Plans for the 30,000sq ft unit will be discussed by Wear Valley District Council at its development control meeting this Thursday evening. Planning officers have recommended that the plan be approved.