New twist in Whitchurch store wars

Store wars hotted up in Whitchurch today as Tesco urged officials to review their decision to allow a major rival to build a new store in the town.

Tesco wants Sainsbury's successful application to build a store off London Road to be sent back to Shropshire Council's north planning committee because they fear it will prejudice the viability of their own plans.

Bosses believe that Sainsbury's store near the town centre could affect proposals to re-develop their existing premises on White Lion Meadow.

Tesco officials, who have also submitted separate plans to create an out-of-town store at Edgeley Park, have written a letter to the unitary council calling on them to review the approval of the Sainsbury's store.

The letter by Gary Sutton of DPP, Tesco's planning agents, says: "An out-of-centre Sainsbury's store in Whitchurch could seriously prejudice the viability of White Lion Meadow's regeneration anchored by a new Tesco store.

"It is essential that members are advised further on viability considerations before a planning permission is granted for the Terrace Hill (Sainsbury's) proposal."

Members of campaign group Whitchurch 21 said more than 3,000 signatures were collected for a petition against the Edgeley Park development.

Simon Lyon, of Whitchurch 21, said: "Tesco was given the opportunity to redevelop White Lion Meadow back in November 2010 when a possible scheme was proposed by a third party to the council. Tesco rejected this idea at the time.

"This letter from DPP can simply be seen as sour grapes. Tesco had their chance and they now need to accept that the town has been given what it wants and what the town now also would like is for Tesco to improve the store they already occupy.

"We believe that the council should ignore Tesco's request, let Sainsbury's get on with building their new store as soon as they can which will help draw many more shoppers into Whitchurch."

Construction of the Sainsbury's store is expected to begin by next summer.