Tesco will have to wait to see if it can open a store in Luton after councillors delayed a decision in the face of widespread opposition.

More than 500 people signed a petition, forcing Medway council’s planning committee to agree to another site visit.

The supermarket’s application to transform car showroom E-Cars in Luton High Street into a Tesco Metro would create 20 jobs but has resulted in traffic concerns.

Ward councillor Tristan Osborne echoed sentiments previously raised about the site, including fears extra traffic would lead to more road accidents.

He told the planning committee: “The site is extremely close to a man junction and the road is a main artery through the town, it is a danger spot.

“There isn’t enough parking at the site and there is a risk of cars pulling in and having to reverse back onto the carriageway when they cannot park.

“While I respect Tesco as an employer there is also no significant community involvement in the area from the company.”

But with the shop being the only place on the street where people might buy fresh fruit and vegetables Cllr Adrian Gulvin supported the proposal.

“It will encourage more people to go to Luton High Street and use the independent shops, rather than have to travel into Chatham to get everything they need.

“It will make life easier for a lot of the elderly residents, and to be honest it will be nice to see something other than another used car dealership.

“This is not a major development, it’s quite a small shop, and Tesco have confirmed they will not be using HGV’s but vans.”
The option to defer the decision for another site visit was agreed by all and Cllr Andrew Mackness added: “We must be mindful of the residents’ views.”

Supporting Medway’s second Tesco Metro 87 letters were sent in, highlighting the jobs opportunities and cheaper shopping in one of Medway’s more deprived areas.

Tesco confirmed the jobs would go to local people and expect most customers to walk or cycle, with parking for nine cars.

In last Friday’s Medway Messenger, a picture of Haywards of Medway was incorrectly used with a report on this plan. The car dealership, which is in Luton Road, has nothing to do with the Tesco plan. We apologise for our mistake.