RESIDENTS, highway chiefs and the Army have joined forces to criticise plans for a major new town centre development.

A planning application for a 3,700sq metre development off Catterick Road, Colburn, has been submitted to the district council.

Plans for the site, near the existing Lidl supermarket, include a shop, restaurant, take- away, health centre and community hall, and a health and fitness suite.

The development would create about 40 jobs, the applicant says. Council planning officers are recommending outline planning permission is granted.

However, Colburn Town Council said the development would harm existing shops and services in the town.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has also objected.

Robert Shopland-Reed, of the MoD's Defence Estates, said in a letter: "The proposals will undermine the vitality of Catterick Garrison town centre by drawing trade away from it to the periphery of the district.

"Development in Catterick Garrison would be more sustainable due to significantly better public transport."

A petition signed by 39 residents has also been handed in.

Many say Colburn already has a health and recreation centre and a similar facility is not needed.

The Highways Authority has criticised the plans, saying that the proposed access to the site is inadequate.

But Dr John England, of chartered town planners England and Lyle, the agents for applicant John Thornhill, said in a letter to council planners: "The proposed development will complement the existing Lidl supermarket, the Colburn Recreation Centre and any future retail development on the adjacent land within the defined local centre.

"It will provide a good quality, modern shopping and associated facilities for the growing community of Colburn and Walkerville."

Dr England rejected the comments made by the highways authority and said there was no intention to duplicate existing provision at Colburn Health and Recreation Centre, or to compete with the facility.

He said the development would not undermine the vitality or viability of Catterick Garrison.

The application will be discussed at a meeting, at 6.30pm on Tuesday, at Swale House, Richmond.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.