Store has 'sweeter' new plan (From Oxford Mail)

Store has 'sweeter' new plan

5:49pm Wednesday 8th August 2007 in

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Supermarket giant Tesco has lodged fresh plans to expand its Abingdon store and has promised to support town centre traders.

The company sparked a storm of protest from local businesses after unveiling moves to expand the non-food side of its shop in Marcham Road.

Vale of White Horse District Council threw out the plans two months ago, claiming they went against the town's Local Plan.

However, Tesco has returned with a proposal that includes a series of sweeteners aimed at winning over the council.

The company has put together a package which offers to fund a town centre manager and provide a shuttle bus service to the town and back.

But the Chamber of Commerce, which has mounted a campaign to protect town centre businesses, is not yet convinced.

Jill Carver, president of the chamber of commerce, said: "We have not had time to consider fully Tesco's proposals. We need to know for how long they will support a town manager and the bus service.

"We will be talking with our members to see what they have to say and if the proposals will have an impact on their concerns about the shopping vitality of the town centre."

In its resubmitted planning application the supermarket has also promised to display promotional material about town centre shops and activities in the store and make a financial contribution towards improving Marcham Road.

No-one from Tesco was available for comment by the time the Oxford Mail went to press, but the firm has said the current store is congested.

It plans to demolish the garden centre to make way for an additional 180 parking spaces. Around 50 extra jobs would be created as part of the scheme.

Two reports from different consultants concluded an expanded store would not have a significant impact on town centre trade.

But Vale district councillors said extra parking would encourage more traffic even though the county highways department raised no concerns.

Councillors went against the advice of planning officers who recommended approval.

Vale planning officer Martin Deans said more work needed to be done on the plans and they would not be discussed by councillors until later in the year.

Councillors have concerns about flooding even though the Environment Agency is happy with planned flood mitigation measures.

Peter Fulk said: "I'm still not persuaded to support Tesco even with these new proposals. Town centre shops would be at risk."