Plans for a large store on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland could signal the start of an out-of-town retail boom, according to traders.

The application for a 30,000 sq ft non-food retail unit in Tindale Crescent, off Watling Road, has sparked rumours of a shake-up which will see the arrival of two big names in the town.

A spokesperson for The Co-op confirmed it owns the land where the unit will be built, but said there are no plans to move its town centre outlet to the development.

He said: "We have owned the land there, which is next to our funeral home, for around ten years.

"A property developer is interested in developing our land and the adjoining land for retail use, but the Co-op is not involved with the development in any way.

"We already have a store in the town centre.''

There are also two further applications for a Homebase store and accompanying restaurant and a new B&Q on neighbouring land, which is occupied by Keen Replicas.

Margaret Ellis, from Bishop Auckland Chamber of Trade, said that there had been rumours in the town for some time that B&Q was looking to move from its site near the station to the Tindale Cresent area.

She said: "I have heard that B&Q wants to move and another company is looking to move as well.

"I have no qualms with that sort of business being up there on the outskirts of the town, but anything retail should be in the town centre."

It is understood that a major clothing chain has shown an interest in the present B&Q site.

Town centre manager Derek Toon would not be drawn on the rumours but confirmed he had seen planning applications for the Keen Replicas site regarding B&Q and Homebase.

He said: "Obviously, we will be sorry to lose B&Q from the town centre and hope that we can fill that unit as quickly as possible."

Plans for the unit on the land owned by Co-op will be discussed by Wear Valley District Council at its development control meeting tomorrow night.

Planning officers have recommended that the plan is approved.