Store bid may go before inquiry

A public inquiry seems likely to be held into controversial proposals by supermarket giant Tesco to build a new store on derelict land at Stourport-on-Severn.

Tesco wants to build on the Old Carpets of Worth site at Severn Road in the town and the store's chiefs claim members of Wyre Forest District Council have taken too long to determine the planning application for the store.

The supermarket chain and Santon Group Developments Ltd are appealing against non-determination of the scheme and insist the local authority should have made a decision within 13 weeks of receipt of the plans.

A public inquiry is now expected to be held into the store's bid which has caused an outcry from traders and local councillors.

They fear the store will result in parts of the town, particularly those around the Gilgal area, becoming choked with traffic.

As well as building a supermarket, Tesco wants to provide a customer car park, petrol filling station, a new road bridge and footbridge and carry out other highway works in the area.

Town councillor David Little has suggested a far better site for the store would be at Tan Lane school which is set to close following reorganisation of education in the district.