BUSINESS leaders from across North Yorkshire have given mixed reactions to last month’s announcement that the designer outlet at Scotch Corner development will go ahead.

The controversial Government decision has been met with joy and dismay from opposing camps after almost two years of wrangling.

The out-of-town designer outlet park would include up to 84 shops and create up to 700 jobs – but some traders from nearby towns have said the decision will severely impact on their businesses.

Northallerton business owners voiced concerns ever since the plans were first mooted by the developers in 2014.

Many traders in the market town feared the outlet park would drive traffic away from its own department store, resulting in loss in business which would create irreparable damage to their future.

A spokesman for Northallerton Retail and Business Forum said: “We were disappointed to learn that this development will go ahead, having shared concerns that its impact on market towns such as ours was underestimated by the applicants. It poses a potentially significant threat to the market towns of our area, even Darlington.

“But having said that, we’re a thriving town with a broad offering of retailers that draws shoppers from near and far. We successfully compete with other out-of-town developments – as well as the internet – and provide proof that people still seek to shop in places with character and a spirit of independence.

“What’s more, the Business Improvement District that will come into being in the spring will strengthen our position even further when it comes to competing for customers’ attention."

Other business leaders are also looking to the potential positives of of the retail development.

Guy Baragwanath, chairman of the Thirsk and District Business Association, said he believed the impact of the Scotch Corner outlet would be small.

He said: “Our businesses already have strong competition with shopping centres at Teesside and York's Monks Cross, Clifton Moor and designer outlet.

“Shopping habits are continually changing and all retailers are having to evolve, especially with internet shopping and the giant that is Amazon.

“Thirsk retailers have always been able to offer quality products with fantastic customer service providing a great shopping experience. Shopping at designer outlets may make things convenient for some, but the individuality of the retailers is lost and the customer service although pleasant, is not on the same level.”

Melva Steckles, chairman of the Richmond and Lower Swaledale Business Association, agreed that that there were positives to come out of the development.

She said: “It could boost tourism – we hope there can be a connection between the Scotch Corner retail park, Richmond and Catterick Garrison town centre, with a transport scheme and a tourist information point."