MP urges caution over Barnstaple Tesco plan
NORTH Devon MP Nick Harvey has urged North Devon Council to take new planning guidance from the Government fully into account before arriving at a decision on Tesco's latest planning application for Seven Brethren bank in Barnstaple.
"The council should not proceed too quickly here," said Mr Harvey.
"There are very strong feelings in the town about the application, and it is important not only that justice is done but that it is seen to be done.
"Concerns have been expressed to me that the council's financial crisis may provide an incentive to agree Tesco's application in order to get their hands on the financial dividend which would come from selling the land to Tesco.
"The council must do the right thing in its judgement, but it must not look as if it is doing so in a hurry or by cutting corners," added the MP.
The Government's new planning guidance on economic development and town centres makes it more difficult for supermarkets to build new stores. The "Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth" policy helps protect local shops at the heart of communities.
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