A BID by clothing retailer Matalan to open a warehouse store on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland has been put on hold.
The discount clothing chain had applied for planning permission to build a 35,000sq ft development with a 146 space car park at the former BBH Windings site in South Church Road.
Wear Valley District Council's development control committee were due to discuss the outline plans at a meeting on Thursday night.
But the firm asked for the application to be removed from last Thursday's agenda so it can alter the plans in an effort to overcome objections.
Traders in Bishop Auckland and town centre manager Ken Wilson feared that if given the go-ahead the scheme would spell disaster for existing shops in the town.
Council planning officers will meet with the applicant to come up with more suitable plans and expect the application to be resubmitted in the next few months.
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