Tesco plan finally before council

Tesco has bought the Newtown livestock market site

Controversial plans for a new Tesco supermarket, which were on hold for nearly two years, are finally set to go before councillors.

The Welsh Assembly Government delayed the progress of the proposal in Newtown, Powys after officials received a request to call in the application.

Plans are recommended for approval and will go before councillors next week.

However, a separate project for a grocery store in the town centre has not been backed by planning officers.

Plans for this project involve building on a bowling green, which some people in Newtown have objected to.

The Tesco store, including a petrol station, is planned for a livestock market and could create about 300 jobs.

Increased traffic

But the application has been dogged by controversy.

In December 2006 it was reported that Powys council had been served with a "holding direction", which prevented councillors from making a decision about the Tesco store.

It is understood concerns centred on the store group's traffic scheme for the A483 road nearby.

Two years ago, some local people feared increased traffic would have an impact on the already busy road network, although there have been calls for a town bypass.

There are also fears the supermarket could affect town shops.

But Tesco has said previously it planned to encourage linked trips with existing town centre shops and its supermarket.

It has also said a vibrant Newtown would be good for business.

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