Tesco pushes supermarket plans

Tesco has bought land in Alnwick to build a new store

Controversial plans to build a second supermarket in a Northumberland market town look likely to go ahead, despite being blocked by the deputy prime minister.

A public inquiry ordered by John Prescott stopped plans for a Tesco supermarket in Alnwick, even though councillors and the public had shown strong support.

Mr Prescott concluded the proposal would seriously harm the vitality and viability of Alnwick's historic town centre and was contrary to planning guidance on retailing and transport.

But Tesco said its lawyers would look closely at Mr Prescott's reasons for throwing out the plans and has now bought land in preparation for a store to rival the local Safeway branch.

John Taylor, the leader of Alnwick District Council said he is confident they will get local support.

He said: "Alnwick is changing dramatically and has changed in the last two years on the back of this now famous Alnwick Garden.

"The shopping patterns are changing, the retail patterns are changing in the town centre, and another supermarket is not likely to harm the shopping facilities in Alnwick town centre.

"It will be looked at fairly and squarely and with some support."