Tesco agrees to build smaller store in Torrington

From the BBC Devon Online website today:

Supermarket giant Tesco has revealed scaled-down plans for a new store in a north Devon town.

The company put forward plans for a 30,000sq ft store in Torrington on the site of a football ground, swimming pool and children's play area. Some locals protested, saying it would cost the community vital facilities. The company is now proposing a store 40% smaller. The pool and play area would remain, and Tesco is offering to create another playing field.

Opponents of Tesco's original plans at Vicarage Field protested in July, saying they would destroy local facilities and cost more jobs than they would create.

The revised plans for the new store are for the same site, but retaining the play park and swimming pool. Tesco is also offering to move the playing fields to another site, as well as provide a new clubhouse and a 200-seater stand. Protesters are still concerned about the effects a new store could have on local businesses.

Torridge District Council said it would adhere to its usual impartiality and standard procedures used for all planning applications before making any decision.