General Discussion

And for those who prefer to buy their food rather than grow it take a look at this. From the Herald Express.

MP'S 'LATE' SURVEY REVEALS STORE CONCERNS
11:00 - 05 July 2008

A supermarket survey organised by Teignbridge's MP has returned its results - more than a week after Sainsbury's was given the go-ahead to build a new store in Dawlish.Richard Younger-Ross sent out a survey to 700 residents of the town to gauge public opinion on whether they wanted a Tesco or Sainsbury's store in the town.

He has now publicly released the results, but it comes after the Sainsbury's plan was approved and Tesco's announcement that it has formally lodged its own store plan.

His survey showed many residents are concerned about the impact of a supermarket on the town centre although 79 per cent of residents who completed a questionnaire were in favour of a new supermarket, as long as careful consideration is taken over its siting.

The results also showed a clear preference for Sainsbury's. The questionnaire followed on from a public meeting called by the MP in February to debate supermarket development in the town.

Mr Younger-Ross said: "Many mourn the loss of their local shops and others complain of the huge increase in traffic which they say now clogs up the centre.

"Those who are in favour of a new supermarket believe that as long as the new store is close enough to the town centre then it will not adversely affect business, but bring people into the centre once they have done their main shopping.

"Those against are convinced the town will be adversely affected as people will spend their money elsewhere."

Tesco withdrew its first application for a store on land at Sandy Lane after a public outcry and later secured a site on part of Lady Mile Holiday Park. Its second application has been formally lodged with the planning department.

Sainsbury's application for a store at Shutterton Bridge just off the Dawlish to Exeter Road was approved by Teignbridge Council's development control committee last month.