Tesco drops Tenbury Wells store plan

PLANS to build a supermarket in Tenbury Wells, which would have created 180 jobs, have been axed, it was revealed today.

Officials at Malvern Hills District Council refused an application from Tesco for the demolition of part of the town's former cattle market site, which was earmarked for the superstore.

Tesco wanted conservation area consent to demolish the Russell Baldwin & Bright building but planning officers decided demolition would harm Tenbury Wells Conservation Area.

Tesco has subsequently withdrawn its application.

Michael Kissman, for Tesco Stores Ltd today, said: "We are disappointed as this was an opportunity to bring what was a derelict site to life with investment and job creation. It was based on consultation and would have been very popular."

Divide

He said Tesco would review plans and discuss its next step.

The plan created a bitter divide in the town, with a No Tenbury Tesco website urging people to protest against the development while others set up a page on a networking site supporting the application.

A statement from MHDC today said: "The 19th century building is considered to be too important because it frames views into the former Cattle Market site from both Teme Street and the bridge over the river."

Councillor David Hughes, portfolio holder for planning at MHDC, said: "The council's planning officers were not given the opportunity to discuss the specific details of the planning application with Tesco prior to its submission such that the withdrawal of the planning application is welcomed. It is an important building wit- hin the Tenbury Wells Conservation Area and its demolition would be harmful."

Chris Dell, chairman of the tourism group and a member of the town's museum society, said he opposed demolition but had no views for or against Tesco.

He said:­ "Someone should actually look at what the town needs. The town's museum is looking for a new home and if that historic building is no longer of commercial value then I am sure they would be delighted to take it on."

By Sophie Bignall