an appeal by supermarket giant Tesco against Pendle Council’s decision to refuse it planning permission for a store in Wellhouse Road, Barnoldswick, has been dismissed by a Government inspector.
News of the decision was confirmed yesterday by Pendle Council planning manager Neil Watson, who said the inspector had agreed with the council that two supermarkets would harm the town centre - the town, of course, has a long-standing Co-operative store in Rainhall Road.
Conservative Coun. Jenny Purcell said: “I am delighted that Tesco isn’t coming.
“When we had the main meeting about the application, I proposed that we refuse it.
“It would have been far too big for a town of this size.
“Barnoldswick is a unique little town with small, individual shops, and we need to look after them.
“It would be detrimental, and would make it a ghost town.
“Sooner or later we will have to have another supermarket, but not on this sort of scale.
“It is good news all round for most people.
n See next week’s Barnoldswick and Earby Times for more news and reaction to the Government inspector’s decision.