PLANS for a massive store on the outskirts of Stockton could be the death knell for the town centre.

This was the warning from a leading councillor as the scheme was considered by the borough planning committee.

The application is for a 24,000-sq ft retail unit next to the Big W store on Portrack Lane. No particular retailer has been specified, but the site is earmarked for the sale of bulky goods.

Coun Stephen Smailes warned: "This will have a major effect on Stockton High Street. There are lots of units standing empty and if we say "yes, yes, yes" it will make a huge difference.

"This is massive. We have to say enough is enough. We have to work with the High Street. We lost the battle on Portrack Lane 30 years ago. But just granting more and more is the death knell for Stockton. I can't support this."

Planning officer Barry Jackson said the scheme would not have an impact on the town centre.

"You are not living in the real world," said Coun Smailes. "The town centre is the prime shopping centre, or it should be, and there will be an exodus out of here."

Coun Pete Andrew said: "If we said no we would be slaughtered on appeal. It would be a waste of money. The days of us fighting this sort of thing are gone. Let's be realistic."

Coun Terry Bean said the council missed the boat years ago on the town centre.

"We can't force traders to come in or say to people: you must shop here," he said. "Businesses know where the custom is. We have to be sensible and see where firms are putting their money. If that is where they can make a profit, we must work with them for the benefit of the whole of Stockton."

The site was previously occupied by part of the former Dickens store, converted to its present use as Big W in 2000.

The new store will share parking with Big W. The existing area at the eastern end of the site, largely unused, has 221 spaces.

The committee approved the application.