THE first step in building a new £55million shopping centre development for Burnley will be taken tonight when the council's development control committee discusses an outline planning application for the scheme.

The multi-million pound Oval development plan, on the former Pioneer supermarket site, which will include a department store and more than 25 stores, has been described as one of the most important developments in Burnley's history.

The development would increase the town centre's retail space by up to half as much again.

Coun Martin Smith, executive member with responsibility for the town centre, said: "This is one of the most important schemes that Burnley has ever seen."

The plans were originally due to come before councillors last month, but the design for the multi-storey car park and flood plans were incomplete, and comments from the highway authority had not been received.

A leading department store, believed to be Debenhams, would act as the anchor' store for the 250,000sq ft complex.

Other high street names rumoured to be interested in securing a slot in the development include Gap, Next, and H&M.