THE proposed regeneration of Tamworth's town centre moved a step closer this week after plans for a new £75 million shopping centre were given the go-ahead.

An outline planning application to build the development on the site of the Gungate Precinct was approved by Tamworth Borough Council's planning committee at a meeting last week.

The company behind the bid, Henry Boot, will now have to submit a full formal application within three years, and building work must start within another two years.

In the meantime the Gungate site will be demolished and used as a car park, after the committee approved two further applications to carry out this work.

Cllr Lee Bates, who is a member of the planning committee, said he and his colleagues on the committee hope the scheme will be completed quickly.

He said: "It's all about regenerating the town centre, and that's what Tamworth residents have been asking for for some time.

"They've [Henry Boot] still got to submit a full application.

"There's a process that they need to go through and they do have those time periods, but one would hope, if possible, that it will be quicker.

"The developer's agent said they desire is to do this as quickly as possible.

"We want the development to take place as soon as possible, we don't want an empty void there for years."

Cllr Bates said the committee have not yet been informed of any specific shops that will occupy the new centre, but, he said they were told clothes retailers were interested in the project.

"The filling of the shops will be down to them as they are a private company and the planning [committee] don't get involved in that side of it.

"There were quite a few questions about the details, but they will come through with the full application. There were also issues raised about access and parking at the new development, but we want those questions answering when a full application is submitted."

The committee was told the small clock tower, which currently stands at the entrance of the precinct, will be saved and feature in the new centre.