A SUPERMARKET giant is to resubmit a controversial application to build a store in a Worcestershire market town.

Tesco’s revised scheme for the former cattle market site in Tenbury Wells still includes the demolition of the Russell Baldwin and Bright building – currently on the site – even though planners previously said it would harm the character and appearance of the Tenbury Wells Conservation Area.

Tesco said getting rid of that building is the only way anybody can redevlop the site and has had discussions with the Environment Agency about potentially using that area to create much-needed flood defences for the town in the future.

With the application due to be resubmitted to Malvern Hills District Council tomorrow, an information day is to be held at the Pump Rooms in Tenbury between 11am and 6.30pm on Friday, October 8.

Sophie Akokhia, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: “The proposed store is about two-thirds of the size of our store in Ludlow and has been designed to be sympathetic to the local environment.

“It will offer choice and value, create new jobs for local people and keep trade within the town by eradicating the need for Tenbury residents to travel outside of the town to do their weekly grocery shop.

“We have already had some positive support from local shoppers and traders in the town but we would encourage people to come and see our new proposals and talk with members of the project team at the Pump Rooms on October 8.”

Tesco said that after more consultation with planning officials, local residents and key stakeholders since the previous application was withdrawn in July, a num-ber of design and land- scaping changes have been made to the original scheme in a bid to make it acceptable.

The new scheme includes additional landscaping along the river Teme side of the site to alleviate flood risk and changes have also been made to the store approach, store design and site levels to improve the view from Teme Street. Plans to renovate the former fire station building remain in place.

The new store design proposes a circular entrance lobby to reflect the architectural character of the market building in Market Square, a smaller service yard and improved landscaping at the rear of the site.

The delivery area at the back of Spar and the pedestrian link to Teme Street would also be improved.

Sarah Thompson, chairman of Tenbury Wells Chamber of Trade, said she had not yet seen the new plans.

“We will just have to wait and see,” she said.

Bernard Morgan, chairman of Tenbury Tourist Information Centre, was unavailable for comment.