Campaigning to curb supermarket power

Great Torrington, Devon

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. 

Campaign Website: 
http://www.savetorringtonskyline.org/
Media Articles: 
Waitrose announces plans for Torrington supermarket
500 people turn out to consultation over plans for Waitrose store in Torrington
​Waitrose cancels plans to bring superstore to Torrington in shock announcement
Devon
United Kingdom
50° 57' 7.1352" N, 4° 8' 26.2176" W
Devon GB

Campaign Updates
Great Torrington, Devon

15 October 2015
Waitrose pulls out of plans

This comes after months of ill-feeling towards the development planned for the disused site of Sidney House Car Park, just off of South Street. Waitrose has cited "well-documented changes in trading conditions across the supermarket sector and rising construction costs" as the reason for pulling out of the plans to build a new store, first announced back in July, 2014.
30 November 2014
Campaigners continue opposition

Campaigners continue to fight the proposal to build a store adjacent to the main car park in the centre of Torrington. The main concerns are the access to the store via very narrow streets and the loss of most of the car park to the town as it would be under Waitrose's control, leaving  an inadequate provision for the town. The building is too large and oppressive for its location and of no architectural value at all, considering its position in the Conservation Area.
27 January 2014
Waitrose announce plans for store

The proposal involves revitalising The Sydney House Car Park off South Street and the neighbouring derelict market garden with a new store.

 
4 December 2006
Torridge District Council refused Tesco's application