Jubilant councillors today spoke of their relief as supermarket giant Tesco gave up the fight for a new store in Benfleet.
Bosses pulled the plug on plans for any new stores in the Benfleet area after a Government planning inspector threw out plans for a Tesco Express on the site of a former petrol garage at 260 to 272 London Road.
Tory councillor Jacky Govier said: "I don't honestly feel the site was appropriate as there was not enough parking.
"The access would have been difficult in and out of the site on to the London Road which may have caused traffic congestion.
"It was not ideal and I'm sure it could be built somewhere more strategically placed."
A survey conducted by Tesco in October 2002 showed that of people living within a kilometre of the site, 92 per cent of those who responded were in favour of a store.
The proposed 2,500-sq ft store, had it got the thumbs up, would have created up to 30 new jobs for residents.
Published Monday January 5, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article