A PUBLIC inquiry has opened into plans for a new retail complex at one of Europe's biggest shopping centres.

Developer JJ Gallagher wants to build a giant retail park at Gateshead's MetroCentre.

However, the application for the site - the size of several football pitches - was rejected by Gateshead Borough Council, on the grounds it would damage existing town and city centres.

The scheme was opposed by several councils, including Newcastle and Sunderland city councils, and Derwentside District Council - worried that the park would take trade from shops in their areas.

The plan includes a series of retail warehouses on 22,000sq m of land at Hannington Works, between Asda and the River Derwent.

It includes 670 parking spaces, improvements to public transport, and improved cycle and pedestrian links, including the part-funding of a cycle bridge over the Derwent.

Andrew Kelly, representing Gateshead council, said the authority was no longer contesting the plans on the basis that it would harm other business areas.

However, it was objecting on the grounds that, under new Government guidelines, the developer had not considered other, more important, sites for development.

However, Ian Dove, for JJ Gallagher, said the plans met Gateshead council's planning policies, in that the land was identified for retailing.

The hearing continues