Supermarket giant Tesco is NOT to be given permission to expand its Burnham-On-Sea store in Love Lane.
On Friday morning (September 1st), the Department of Communities and Local Government published its report into the supermarket’s bid to double the size of its store – and it was bad news for Tesco.
Tesco spokesman Phelix Gummer told Burnham-On-Sea.com the company was “very disappointed” by the ruling.
“We were looking forward to increasing our investment in the town and this decision unfortunately means this cannot now go ahead.” He added that the store would now be “considering its options.”
Tesco had wanted to double the size of its store from 14,714sq ft to 35,335sq ft and increase the number of car parking spaces from 166 to 382 in addition to introducing a new petrol station and cafe.
Despite Sedgemoor planners approving Tesco’s plans in March 2005, the proposal was ‘called in’ by the Government Office of the South West because it contradicted the council’s planning policy.
A public inquiry was then held at Burnham’s Princess Hall in May this year, where government planning inspector Andrew Pykett heard arguments for and against the expansion.
On Friday morning (September 1st), town councillor Neville Jones told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Many people in the town will be disappointed by this decision, particularly those that were hoping this application would lead to the completion of the Frank Foley Parkway as a planning gain.”
It is the latest twist in a long-running rollercoaster ride of events that is likely to be welcomed by rival supermarket chain Asda, which is building a huge 40,000sq ft store in nearby Highbridge on the site of the former Woodberry Bros and Haines factory.
RELATED LINKS:
Council leader says Tesco decision is ‘no surprise’
Seven month delay for inquiry ‘astonishes’ Burnham council leader
Tesco’s expansion put on hold as inquiry begins
Tesco gets the go-ahead to expand Burnham store
