By James Johnson

Last updated at 15:56, Friday, 06 January 2012

Locals are waiting to see how a court decision to force councillors to rule again on plans to build a new Tesco supermarket in Wigton will impact on the town.

An artist's impression of the planned Tesco store in Wigton

The court’s decree follows a bid for a judicial review of the application by residents Simon and Theresa Raimes.

Their home shares a wall with the site of the planned store in the centre of the town and it was found that Allerdale council’s planning consent was unlawful because certain requirements had not been fulfilled.

When permission was originally given for its development, many residents were wary, and this has not changed now the process is set to begin again.

Mike Phillips, chairman of Wigton Development Partnership, was critical of the original agreement. He hopes there can now be fresh negotiations.

He said: “We were bitterly disappointed with what was agreed last time – it was absolutely appalling. We wanted to improve the economic vitality of the town. It might not be the existing planning application that’s submitted this time, so we see this as an opportunity.

“It’s a new start and we want support for the town.”

Members of the development partnership are positive about the prospects for Wigton, and treasurer Len Baseley added: “It’s not all doom and gloom and we are determined to get on with increasing pride in Wigton, with or without Tesco.”

But not all viewpoints in the town are as positive.

Grocer Bill Lightfoot was against the superstore when Allerdale council approved the Tesco plans. He is less optimistic that councillors ruling again will result in good news.

He said: “I would far rather the whole application was considered out in the open for all to see and hear.

“I need to have my confidence restored in the whole planning procedure for a development of this size and importance with all its repercussions for a very small town like Wigton.”

Although Mr Lightfoot acknowledges that part of his concerns are based on being a trader in the town, he says his concerns as a consumer are greater.

He said: “I try very hard to recycle my income in Wigton and I do not want to be denied my basic rights to a choice of excellent independent shops and traders in favour of a faceless retail shed whose goods can be obtained anywhere.

“If it had not been for the perseverance and no little courage of the Raimes and their claim being successful, what a travesty that would have been.”

Tesco’s corporate affairs manager Doug Wilson has indicated that although the company is reviewing its position, it is still fully committed to establishing a store in Wigton.

First published at 14:09, Friday, 06 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk