Tesco submitted an application in April 2006 for outline permission for a 2,788 sq.m store on a sports field on the edge of town.
Tesco's action delayed a decision on an application made by Somerfield in 2005 to move its inner town site to the edge of town, which most people had no problem with. Residents set up the Tesco Turf Wars at Torrington campaign, and lobbied Councillors against the Tesco development. The local MP wrote to Ruth Kelly, then Minister for communities and local government, to demand a Public Inquiry.