Town's Tesco plans remain on hold

Tesco wants to build a new store in Newtown

A decision on plans for a Tesco supermarket in Powys is not expected until after June.

Plans for the store in Newtown have been on hold for 18 months since officials received a request to call in the application.

The Welsh Assembly Government said it would make a decision after reading a Powys Council report about the project.

There are fears that the development could put a strain on Newtown's traffic system and on town centre businesses.

Powys Council was served with a "holding direction" in October 2006, which prevented it from making a decision about the store.

A spokesman for the Welsh Assembly Government said the council was preparing a report about the effects the supermarket could have on local businesses and on the traffic system.

He said a decision could not be made until officials had read the report, which is expected to be finished in June.

Tesco wants to develop a former livestock market, which it bought from the council on condition it received planning permission.

A spokesman for Powys Council said: "The council has received amended plans from the applicants with changes to traffic management plans for the proposed development.

"The amendments are currently being considered by traffic consultants."

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