In 2007 Tesco was chosen as the preferred developer to progress a multi-million pound town centre regeneration scheme in Brixham. The plans include a new 45,000 square feet supermarket, 366 car parking spaces, 12 affordable houses and up to 4 high-street shops.
Brixham Residents Against Tesco Superstores (BRATS) campaign group was set up to oppose the plans.
Background
October 2008 - plans for Brixham's town centre regeneration scheme have been delayed due to contamination work.
October 2010 - cabinet members agreed to aim for a deal with Tesco, agreeing to "conclude negotiations on the detailed lease terms, advertise the disposal of open space and consider any objections received".
May 2011 - Torbay Development Agency and Tesco sign a conditional contract. If it gets the go-ahead, the store would be built on the site of the town's car park. However, planning permission is needed and Environment Agency checks must be carried out before work started.
March 2012 - A referendum was held on 22nd March after Brixham Residents Against Tesco Supermarkets (Brats) secured the poll by holding a parish meeting and getting a vote in favour. People in Brixham were asked to vote on the question: Do you support the proposal for a Tesco supermarket development in Brixham Town Centre?
In March 2009 the old Woolworth's store in Brixham re-opened as as Tesco Express.