An application to build a discount retail warehouse in Penryn which would lead to the eviction of small businesses will go before a Cornwall Council planning committee on Monday afternoon.

Traders working at the industrial estate between Kernick Road and Jennings Road have been fighting to save their units following a proposal to build a giant Home Bargains store on the land, which council officers have recommended for approval.

Last month they gained the support of Penryn Town Council, who opposed the application on the basis of keeping industrial units for industrial use, and councillors also said it goes against Cornwall Council's emerging local plan which has earmarked Kernick Road as an industrial site.

However recommendations by Cornwall Council planning officers ahead of the Central Sub-Area Planning Committee meeting at County Hall next weekend appear to contradict the council's own emerging plan.

Case officer Mark Ball has recommended that the committee approve the plan.

While recognising the council's objections, he said the emerging policies "carry only very limited weight due to their early stage in the adoption process."

He added: "The comments expressed locally and in particular from the Town Council are noted however the concerns are not considered to outweigh the clear benefits that the scheme would bring."

Mr Ball has also listed the potential for 50 part time, low paid jobs as a good reason to approve the application, something disputed by the traders who say zero-hours contracts will be no replacement for the more than 40 skilled jobs which are currently to be found at the site.

The committee will meet at County Hall in Truro from 2pm on Monday, May 9.

Members of the public have the right to speak, but must register with democratic services by noon on Thursday, May 5, by calling 01208 893353.