The controversial public inquiry into Tesco’s plans to increase the size of its Burnham-On-Sea store opened in the town on Tuesday (May 9th).
Around 40 people packed into the Princess Hall to see the official inquiry get underway, with some interesting sides being set.
Town clerk Eileen Shaw told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Sedgemoor District Council indicated it is in favour of the expansion plan, while both Somerfield and Asda are objecting.”
“The town council has mixed views at this time following the news that the completion of the Frank Foley Parkway is to be excluded.”
Burnham’s Mayor, Cllr Eric Gill, was also in attendance on the first day of the hearing, which is set to last up to five days.
A number of residents – some of whom were in support of the expansion – also went along on the first day.
The inquiry is being overseen by officials from the Office of The Deputy Prime Minister and, once complete, they will then be in a position to decide whether the scheme can be given the go-ahead.
The inquiry comes after a long-running saga in which the supermarket giant bowed to pressure last year and made several concesssions to win the backing of planners.
RELATED LINKS:
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
