THE way is now clear for a new retail outlet to be built in Rickmansworth town centre, after a Government inspector agreed such a development could be included in the district's local plan.

In his report on Three Rivers District Council's Local Plan - which sets out the planning policies for the district until 2011 - inspector Mr Derek Rowbottom agreed there was a need for a new retail development in the town, following requests from London Transport (LT) last year to redevelop its Rickmansworth Station car park.

Including the Homestead Road site in the plan, the inspector recommended any development should be restricted to a maximum of 3,000 sq m.

The inspector's comments emerged last Friday with the publication of his report.

This followed a public inquiry to discuss a draft of the plan, which concluded earlier this year.

The inquiry was adjourned in November last year, after LT approached the council about developing the site.

District councillors agreed in principle to the proposals, and LT was allowed to make a case to the inspector to include the site for retail use in the plan.

Mr Clive Holmes, principle development surveyor for London Transport Property, confirmed this week three companies, including Sainsbury, were interested in building on the site.

He added: 'We are currently reviewing the inspector's report and are hoping to get consultants to work on a scheme for the site to put forward to the local planning authority in the near future.'

Mr Holmes confirmed plans would not include the loss of any existing parking spaces.

However, Rickmansworth Chamber of Business and Rickmansworth Residents' Association have expressed concern at the proposals.

Chairman of Rickmansworth Residents' Association Mr Peter Waters said he was unhappy the site was included in the plan, as he believed it would detract shoppers from the high street.

He said: 'This site is the wrong side of the tracks.

'We are concerned what the effect will be on the commercial vitality of the high street.

'Much effort has been put into the regeneration of the town centre in the past few years, which will be adversely threatened by any such development.

'People will go in, fill up and go off again.'

He added: 'The principle of building something there is contrary to the requirements of the town centre.'

Mr Waters said the opening of Tesco in Harefield Road, Rickmansworth, had already damaged high street trade.

The management of traffic entering and leaving the site was another worry, as it is close to a busy roundabout.

Leader of the council Ann Shaw said, although the council did not oppose such a development in principle, any planning application would have to meet strict criteria, including adequate parking and sufficient integration into the town centre.

Mrs Shaw said: 'If more retail space is needed, this would be the only site available but we haven't received any applications, so have not agreed anything.'

Copies of the inspector's 179-page report into the local plan are available from Three Rivers House in Northway, Rickmansworth, priced £5.

lford@london.newsquest.co.uk