Battle looming over Tesco plan

Councillors are set to go head-to-head with Tesco over its plans to develop its Church Street store in Lichfield. City councillors have recommended the plans are refused.

They say that Tesco has failed to consult local people over the scheme and claim that the development is "not in keeping with the local area" and that it could damage the future of the city centre.

Tesco wants to demolish its existing premises along with the Focus DIY store and former Smithfield Hotel to create a new supermarket and 22 apartments.

Lichfield District Council is due to consider the planning application at a meeting of its planning committee.

In a written representation to planners ahead of the meeting, the city council has hit out at the scheme and called for it to be thrown out.

In the letter, councillors say: "Overall, the size and scale of the development is not in keeping with the location and would be detrimental to the viability of the city centre, in particular the smaller shop units which are constrained by the historic fabric of their city centre premises." They have also outlined changes to the plan if it is given approval.

They want delivery access through Church Street not St Michael Road and a condition to prevent night-time deliveries between 10pm and 7am. They also want a weight limit on St Michael Road to prevent it being used by delivery vehicles.

Councillors have said the plan is catering for too many parking spaces and have demanded to know why surrounding residents, including St Michael's Church, were not consulted.

City Councillor Norma Bacon said: "Tesco need to listen to the public and to us councillors more. I'm not against the plan. I would like to see it built but, as it is, it is not appropriate."

Tesco spokesman Tony Fletcher said: "We have responded to concerns throughout the planning process, and significant amendments have been made following public consultation. We have moved the store further away from neighbouring homes, included better sound proofing and significant landscaping around the site.

"Improved access has also been provided to the service yard both in terms of access from St Michael Road and measures to reduce noise."