A DEPARTMENT store boss has voiced serious concerns over a proposed designer outlet village – which he says would be detrimental to the fragile economies of local market towns.

Charles Barker, managing director of Barkers, Northallerton, predicted that the proposed Scotch Corner scheme would have an impact on local towns including Richmond, Leyburn, and Northallerton.

The proposed £50m designer outlet village would generate 800 jobs and feature 90 stores selling goods from top international brands, as well as restaurants and cafes, in a 250,000 sq ft complex.

Scotch Corner LLP, the company behind the scheme, said it was seeking to emulate the success of Bicester Village, in Oxfordshire, by attracting designer clothing retailers including Armani, Prada and Gucci.

But Mr Barker fears its impact on independent stores in surrounding towns will be severe.

“Outlet shopping centres are a big draw, as are large supermarkets on the edge of market towns, but in many cases they have decimated the centre of the local town," he said.

“Our two stores have in the region of 240 staff employed at any one time, some are concession staff, but most are employed directly by Barkers.

“We invest in and stock many of the brands that outlet centres have, particularly on women's fashion and menswear, a large part of our turnover.

“If a development like this on our doorstep is given the go ahead we would be worried about the viability of our fashion business and the effect it would have on numbers employed.

“I hope the planning authorities will look at the long term in making their decision and consider the great assets that our market towns currently are.”

A spokesperson form Scotch Corner LLP said: “The scheme will be a complementary offer to Richmond and the inclusion of a tourist information office within the scheme will encourage trips to Richmond and other attractions in the surrounding area.

“The retail statement submitted as part of the planning application demonstrates that there will be no material adverse impact on other local town centres.”

“It is expected that local companies will benefit from the construction activities associated with the new outlet village; the job opportunities with the retailers and the operator; and as suppliers.

“As well as providing a high quality retail facility easily accessible to local residents, the scheme will provide significant local employment and will attract tourist visitors and expenditure to the area.”