General Discussion

By 19 votes for, 3 against and 1 abstention, Teignbridge District Council's Development Control Committee awarded planning permission to Sainsbury's to build a supermarket at Shutterton Bridge. I wonder what legal machinations will be invoked to prevent them from doing so?

Blimey O'Reilly! That IS excellent news. If there has to be a supermarket, then I'd rather it be Sainsburys. I wonder what on earth persuaded our councillors to make this momentous decision? Well done them - and shame on those who voted against. And as for the idiot who abstained, what's the point in them being a councillors if they're going to sit on the fence?

Well done Sainsburys at last a decent Supermarket. Well it was what the town wanted. I reckon had they voted for Tesco there would have been some explaining why lol.

DM I understand one was unable to vote as had interest in the result. Whatever that was!

Fair does then.

It looks like good news, but how long before Tesco appeal again? How does a supermarket ever get built in this country?

Tesco already have an Appeal lodged with regard to their being refused planning permission first time around. This Appeal is scheduled to be heard over 4 days or so in May. Don't think we will end up with two supermarkets though as the need for a supermarket in Dawlish is very clearly for only the one, nor do I think this whole saga is about to come to an end. I think it will run for some time yet.

The Committee had been heavily lobbied by people in Dawlish and they voted against the Officers' recommendation which, to be consistent, was the same as last time - to refuse Sainsbury's. But once again common sense prevailed over the two sites. The Lady's Mile site is a very attractive camping ground and too valuable for tourism to ruin with car parks and smelly manoeuvring vehicles. The Shutterton site is the key to opening up the 'Employment' land which has been labelled as such for over 20 years and yet no-one has found the cash to put in roads, main services and lighting for small factory or workshop units. Well, now Sainsbury's have committed to the first 11 units to be ready within nine months of opening the supermarket, probably in around 15 months from now. Those who voted against explained that they would have voted against the Tesco application as well, so probably support the idea of a revived small town traders' scenario. So, turn your mind to appearing at the appeal by Tesco.

When does the building start?

The planning decision notice doesn't appear to have been issued yet stating why Sainsbury's were given planning permission. Until that is issued I don't think anything can happen and you can bet you life that the lawyers of a certain other supermarket will take a very good look at the reasons given. If there is any chance of another legal challenge being made I don't doubt it will all end up in the High Court - again.

Thanks Lynne.

This was in Saturday's Express & Echo: Tesco's planning battle with rival store continues TESCO says it has not given up the fight to build a store in Dawlish. The supermarket giant hasbeen embroiled in a battle with Sainsbury's over permission to build a store in the town for more than three years. In March, Teignbridge Council gave Sainsbury's permission to build a store and petrol station at Shutterton Bridge — giving its application preference over Tesco's and going against planning officers' advice. Tesco, which wants to build a similar-sized supermarket at Lady's Mile, appealed against the refusal of its original application and a date for a public inquiry had been set for May. But the inquiry was cancelled by Tesco, sparking rumours it may have accepted defeat. A Tesco spokesman was quick to quash the rumours, saying: "The public inquiry has been put on hold to await the outcome of Sainsbury's negotiations on the Section 106 agreement on its own application. If and when Sainsbury's is granted planning permission, Tesco will then decide whether or not to go ahead with its appeal." If Tesco does appeal and a subsequent public inquiry went in its favour, it could result in two supermarkets being built in Dawlish — something planners, councillors and residents strongly object to. Teignbridge Council is still in negotiations with Sainsbury's over the terms of the Section 106 agreement, including £200,000 towards town centre improvement measures, £40,000 towards public art, £40,000 towards provision of a cycle link between Exeter Road and Dawlish Warren, and £300,000 towards improved bus services. The agreement would also secure delivery of 6,000 square feet of employment land on the site with completion within nine months of the store opening.