A PUBLIC planning inquiry opened in Derry yesterday into an application by British supermarket giant Sainsbury to build a 33,000 sq ft retail outlet about one mile from the city centre. Sainsbury's proposed development comprises a food store, coffee shop, off licence, a petrol filling station, car wash and a 554 space car park.

Twenty one objectors are to address the inquiry, which is expected to last three weeks. The objectors include individuals, existing retail outlets and environmental groups.

Their arguments will be that the development will have a detrimental impact on existing retailers.

Sainsbury is expected to make its submission to the inquiry this afternoon.

The North West Architectural Association, in a written submission to the inquiry, said the current Area Plan did not include among its objectives any policy on development along the riverside.