Tesco has been accused of being unwilling to compromise over its plans for a store in Leven.
He continued: ”Everyone recognises the impact that out-of-town comparison shopping is having on town centres up and down the country.
”Limiting the sale of comparison goods ensures that the initial benefit of jobs and choice isn’t cancelled out by store closures in the town centre.
”Small towns like Leven are marginal to national retailers and having their trade hit by out-of-town retailing will lead them to reassess the need to retain representation at a time when many retailers are already in the process of trimming their store portfolios.”
Tesco corporate affairs manager Gloria Coats said: ”The support that we have received for our new store proposals for Leven has been very positive. It is clear that local people welcome our plans and that they recognise the benefits a new store will bring to the area, such as job creation and more choice.
”We have worked actively with the council and the community to ensure that our plans are the right fit for Leven. I hope that members recognise the positive aspects of our proposals and the contribution that they will make to the local community and the economy.
”We were delighted with the positive response we received from the Levenmouth area committee last month and we are hopeful that the planning committee will approve our application so we can bring this investment to Leven.”
So far Fife Council officers have made no recommendations.
At the time of last week’s hearing, the council had received three objections and 40 letters of support.
Sainsbury’s were among the objectors.
The supermarket has lodged a proposal for the site next to Pfaudler-Balfour in Riverside. According to Tesco, it would boost the local economy.
Leven Community Council back the plans, saying the store will bring jobs and provide competition for Sainsbury’s.
But WR Morgan Enterprises, which owns a block of shop units in the High Street, fears the arrival of Tesco could put smaller shops out of business.
At a planning hearing last week, owner Mr Morgan urged Tesco to limit its floorspace for non-food sales to 300 square metres.
However, the supermarket company is only prepared to restrict floor space to 500 square metres.
Mr Morgan said: ”Our concern is regarding the sale of comparison goods, which will put the Tesco store in direct competition with the town centre.
”Although they said they’d be happy to have the comparison element of their store limited to 25% of the floor space, this will make them the largest retailer of comparison goods in the town.
”Permission for this application would be contrary to the development plan, which rightly aims to protect town centres.
”We recognise that Tesco must have some element of comparison goods, but feel it should be 300 square metres not 500 square metres.
”Tesco have been unprepared to compromise and have simply offered a cap which matches their existing plans.”
Continued…