WARRINGTON Borough Council has supported both applications.

But council advisors admit that in practice it is possible that only one may be built.

Colin Crawford, council solicitor, said: "What can be stressed in relation to The Winwick Partnership application is the history of both the site in general and also the particular development.

"The site is a crucial gateway into the town centre and it is a site which the development plan recognises must be regenerated."

While the council believes the Big Apple project at Time Square is similar, it does not believe its need for change is as urgent.

Mr Crawford added: "While the site may benefit from investment and new development, there is not the same regeneration imperative for this site. It functions adequately at the present time."

Nicholas Freeman, a Government planning inspector, will hear up to three weeks of evidence and make a number of site visits, including one to the Westbrook Centre where Warrington's existing Odeon cinema is located, before sending a report to the Secretary of State.

The Winwick Partnership blueprints will be considered this week and Big Apple's proposals heard in more detail next week before the council's representatives take centre stage.

The inquiry will be heard today and tomorrow; from Tuesday, March 6 to Thursday, March 9 and from Tuesday, March 13 up to Friday, March 16, from 9.30am to 5pm.