SPECULATION that a major retail project was set to be abandoned has been rejected by the developers – and said the scheme is on course for opening in 2020.

The Scotch Corner Designer Village has caused controversy since it was first considered by Richmondshire District Council in 2014 due to businesses in nearby towns fearing it could drive consumers away from town centres.

The £50m project is set to be developed on land adjacent to the Scotch Corner Holiday Inn and will include more than 90 stores and creates around 700 jobs.

However, with no work visible on the land, there had been speculation that the scheme had been shelved.

The Facebook page set up by the Scotch Corner Designer Village team has not been updated since January, and comments had been left by residents questioning whether it would still go ahead.

But the developers have set the record straight, insisting work would begin early next year.

Simon Waterfield, developer and co-owner of Scotch Corner Richmond LLP, said: "We’re working hard to create the leading shopping and leisure destination in the North of England, and are on track with our plans to open during in Autumn 2020.

"We’re having exciting conversations with top retail and restaurant brands, that are keen to join the scheme, and have agreed terms and instructed lawyers on a number of lettings. "The interested high-quality brands will appeal to both to local and regional customers, as well as attracting visitors from further afield.

"We will be announcing the first new names in due course, early next year."

The designer outlet village will include 92 retail units, parking for 1,300 cars and leisure facilities.

There will also be recreational areas for family activities and children’s play.

The scheme was approved by planners in December 2015 but was subject to a public inquiry by Brandon Lewis MP, Secretary of State for Housing and Planning in 2016, which was subsequently also approved.