Supermarket giant scraps Harrogate plans

TESCO has pulled out of a controversial superstore planned for Harrogate in a surprise move for the town.

Earlier this month Harrogate Borough Council announced they backed the plans for the store which would have been located at the former gas works site on Ripon Road.

Tesco had been involved in a battle to gain planning permission until it was given in 2011 with cross-party support.

Campaigners have fought against the superstore since plans were unveiled in 2009.

Tesco CEO UK & ROI Matt Davies said: “Following a detailed review we have taken the very difficult decision not to proceed with our planned Harrogate superstore.

“This decision was not taken lightly and we realise that many people locally will be disappointed.

“We are grateful for the support that has been shown for our plans over the years and our priority now will be to ensure the site is sold so that it can play a positive part in Harrogate’s future development.”

The campaign was led by Brian Dunsby, former chief executive of Harrogate Chamber, county councillor David Simister, and Bob Jones, business consultant and Killinghall resident.

Sandra Doherty, the new chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber, said: “In some ways it is disappointing that Tesco have decided not to proceed with their planned store at New Park. But for the most part I would see this as an opportunity to research the best use of this valuable site.

“This could have an impact on many missing elements of the Harrogate District Plan bringing not just jobs but hopefully a coach park which would see a big improvement to the accessibility for day visitors.

“This is such a large site that affordable housing and small business units could also form part of a cohesive plan. Now that we have Aldi at this end of the town the need for another Supermarket doesn’t seem as important as it once was.”

Mr Dunsby said: “This is the news we have been campaigning for over many years and it’s a relief to finally have confirmation from Tesco that the store will not be built.

“The shortage of development land near the Town Centre makes it imperative that the New Park site is developed on a multi-purpose basis for small businesses and affordable housing for local employees in order to meet the needs of the local economy. It should not be used for any other superstore or for up-market housing”

 

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