A SUPERMARKET group's second bid to extend its Harrogate store is likely to get the go-ahead after it withdrew controversial plans to add two separate retail units.

Sainsbury's wants to increase the size of the Wetherby Road store, built on part of the Great Yorkshire Showground, but pulled the plug on the original planning application after protestors said that adding two more units would create a retail park.

Opponents were also worried at the impact of the units on the sensitive Crimple Valley special landscape area, and councillors had been prepared to back them and reject the scheme.

But the company has lodged fresh plans for a 2,155sq metre store extension, which will take up 35 parking spaces.

Area planning officer Anne Smith said the impact on the area, which campaigners had saved from a number of development threats including shops and a rugby club, would be minimal.

And even though opponents said the expansion might mean less trade for shops in the centre of Harrogate and Knaresborough, Mrs Smith is recommending its approval.

Councillors meet to debate the issues on Tuesday and will have before them an objection from Harrogate Civic Society.

The watchdog conservation group is not happy with central traders having to put up with competition from an increase in out-of-town shopping space, or with more traffic using the already- congested Wetherby Road.