Planners reject Tesco appeal on key regeneration site

PLANNING chiefs have dismissed an appeal by supermarket group Tesco to build a supermarket on a key development site in Liverpool.

The decision by planning inspector Philip Ware means a much larger scheme – called Project Jennifer – and underpinned by rival supermarket Sainsbury’s is now more likely to go ahead.

Tesco – which was last week thwarted by planner in its planned Kirkby development with Everton FC, wanted to build a 91.000sq ft foodstore, with petrol station, car parking and landscaping , an indoor market and outdoor market area in Great Homer Street.

Liverpool City Council and development partner St Modwen argued that this  would prejudice a larger redevelopment which would give greater choice and benefits to local people than a free standing foodstore.

Sainsbury’s has committed to taking a 110,000 sq ft store in the Project Jennifer scheme.

The scheme also includes a 965 space car park, petrol filling station, 80,000 sq ft of non-food retail stores, a market hall and 300 relocated outdoor market stalls, 481 new homes, facilities for the Primary Care Trust, a new library, leisure facilities, 80,000 sq ft of light industrial space and improved public realm.

Councillor Peter Millea, Liverpool City Council’s executive member for assets and development, said: “We have always believed that what is needed here is a scheme to regenerate the district rather than just a stand-alone store.”

Michelle Taylor, regional director of St. Modwen, said: “We are delighted by the planning inspector’s decision to refuse the free-standing foodstore proposal for Great Homer Street.

“We have always maintained that the application to build a foodstore in isolation would not have brought about the much needed regeneration for one of the most deprived areas in the country and this is something which the planning inspector endorsed.”

St Modwen was selected by Liverpool City Council  as preferred developer in 2004 and a development agreement was signed in 2005. Outline planning permission for the scheme was granted in 2007.

It is expected that land assembly will begin in the new year.