Tesco triumphs in store struggle

Councillors backed Tesco's plans for the Dumfries and Galloway town

A superstore planning battle in southern Scotland has been turned on its head by councillors.

They went against the recommendations of their planning officers and gave their support to Tesco's proposals to build a new store in Annan.

A nearby scheme by regeneration firm Katalyst, which had been recommended for approval, was rejected.

The decision of the local area committee will now go to the full planning committee for ratification.

Both groups had argued that their site would be best for the town.

Katalyst, set up to help the area cope with the decommissioning of the nearby Chapelcross plant, wanted to see a building demolished and a new store built on Scott's Street.

It said its plans were closer to the town centre and would have less visual impact.

It added that it would "complement rather than endanger" High Street stores.

Tesco has promised 200 full and part-time jobs with its store adjacent to Stapleton Road and Scott's Street.

If it gets final planning approval the company would expect the supermarket to open by 2010.