PLANNERS look set to rebuff a bid by discount retailer Matalan to build a new warehouse-type store in Bishop Auckland.

Members of Wear Valley District Council's planning committee will be asked to throw out proposals for a 35,000 sq ft store when it is discussed at a meeting tonight.

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 it was fragile.

Bob Hope, director of regeneration at Wear Valley District Council, said: "When compared with other centres that England and Lyle have surveyed over the last 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 has recently opened a store in Darlington, has submitted plans for the former BBH Windings site opposite the new Asda superstore.

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

Car parking for 146 cars, together with associated landscaping, a service yard and works to the highway are also proposed.

But the idea has met with opposition from the town's traders who have launched a campaign in partnership with The Advertiser's sister paper, The Northern Echo to bring shoppers back to the town centre.

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

Margaret Ellis, of the 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.