Tesco continues supermarket bid
Supermarket giant Tesco has said there is still a need for a store in Hadleigh despite Morrisons opening in the town.
Tesco is currently applying for planning permission to build a 2,500 square metre store on the former Brett Works site. Previous proposals were refused in 2011 on grounds of unsuitable design.
Although Morrisons began trading on Monday, Simon Petar, from Tesco, said there was still a demand for a new shop and pointed to a report from independent retail consultants from Babergh District Council that said the supermarket would have no “significant adverse impact on the town”.
“We have improved the designs and have really listened to the community and the planning committee to create a store more in keeping with traditional-looking buildings,” said Mr Petar.
“We have done our homework and will see what comes of it.”
However, Jan Byrne, chairman of the Hadleigh Society, said the arrival of Morrisons meant Tesco was surplus to requirements.
“Morrisons is twice the size of the retail need identified by the district council and to put another supermarket in the town would be total nonsense,” she said.
Roger Bannister, from the town’s chamber of commerce, said a retail survey carried out by Tesco stated a food store of 3,500 square metres was needed prior to Morrisons and this had now been met.
“Even their own supporting data indicates it is no longer needed,” he said. “There are also objections on safety and traffic considerations.”
No date has been set for when the plans will be heard.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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