Revised plans for the former Hewitts site will be discussed by councillors - and planners are recommending they approve the scheme.

"It was expected," said developer Bill Batley yesterday (Tuesday). "We've been waiting for approval and as soon as we get that, we will proceed to the next step."

He said if the scheme were approved, the mixed shop and office arcade should be open for business in August - at the latest.

A separate application for the refurbishment of a neighbouring 18th century building, which collapsed last year, has also been recommended for councillors' approval.

Mr Batley's company, TCP Investments, will carry out the work and should have it finished at the same time as the arcade.

The changes to the arcade - many of them minor design alterations - have already been thrashed out with planners.

The most significant change to the arcade plans is the removal of a restaurant from the plans.

Mr Batley also wants to increase the size of the development's car park, sited on the other side of the Moor, from 70 to 98 spaces.

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