PLANNING officials are likely to block a bid by discount retailer Matalan to build a store in Bishop Auckland.

Members of Wear Valley District Council's planning committee will be asked to reject proposals for a 35,000 sq ft store tomorrow night.

The recommendation for refusal follows fears that the out-of-town development would strike a devastating blow to town centre traders who are already suffering.

A report by planning consultants England and Lyle, commissioned by the council to assess the impact of the development on the town centre, revealed that its economy was fragile.

Bob Hope, director of regeneration at the council, said: "When compared with other centres that England and Lyle have surveyed over the past few years, Bishop Auckland Town Centre performs poorly. The centre is considered fragile and it could be vulnerable to decline if there are any further shop closures.

"Any development which would adversely affect the vitality and viability of the town centre would be contrary to the local plan."

It is the second time that Matalan, which recently opened a store in Darlington, has submitted plans for the former BBH Windings site opposite the Asda superstore.

The plans have been amended so that the store would be focusing on sale of bulky goods.

Car parking for 146 cars, with associated landscaping, a service yard and road improvements, are also proposed.

But the idea has already attracted opposition from traders, who launched an initiative in partnership with The Northern Echo's Shopping for a Future campaign to bring shoppers back to the town centre.

Traders say the new Asda superstore has already taken business from the town centre and that a Matalan store would make matters worse.

Margaret Ellis, of the town's Chamber of Trade, said: "We are very concerned. This would make things even more difficult."

Although planners seem to be ruling out the South Church Road location it said that there are alternative venues at Tindale Crescent and at the North Bondgate Bus Depot/ car park which could be more suitable.