Council supports retail park plan

Ikea has the largest retail store on the site

The controversial expansion of a retail park in Nottinghamshire is being sent to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott for a final decision.

Broxtowe borough councillors supported the proposals for the expansion near the M1 at a meeting on Wednesday.

But some local residents are still concerned about a potential increase in traffic in the area.

Plans for the site - home to an Ikea store - will now go to the Government Office for the East Midlands.

Highways concerns

But campaigners say they will continue their case against the expansion of the Giltbrook Retail Park.

Mark Leivers, of Greasley and District Civic Society, said local people were worried about traffic problems, pollution and the impact on local traders.

"We are considering a third public meeting to discuss this issue," he said.

Council leader Milan Radulovic said: "It will bring up to 1,000 new jobs to the area... and new stores, shopping area and road layout.

"We are convinced as a council that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in this case."

Highways Agency officials had questions about the impact of the development on Junction 26 of the M1, but Mr Radulovic said alterations to the road layout would address these concerns.

The scheme includes 900 new parking spaces to be built to cover both existing and new developments.