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Anger over Tesco plans
TESCO'S masterplan for Belper has sparked fury among residents keen to preserve the town's unique charm.
Critics claimed the public display of plans lacked substance and design sympathy.
They have also accused Tesco of producing misleading material for the exhibition after noting 'potential' developments drawn up for land completely seperate to the Tesco-owned site included in the masterplan.
However, the supermarket giant has said the exhibition was intended to prompt discussion and consultation on the proposals, and no plans were yet set in stone.
Members of opposition group Belper Against Tesco Superstores (BATS) said they quizzed people coming out of the three-day exhibition to find out what they thought.
The group claimed it found 51 per cent of people opposed to the proposal, 31 per cent in favour, and 18 per cent undecided.
Spokesman Andy Minion said: "The majority of those in favour of the Tesco development said they were so because they wanted something to be done with the old Thorntons' site, which is what the overwhelming majority of the people in Belper want.
"We believe that the development should be appropriate to the unique environment of Belper rather than be fitted into a standard format satisfying the needs of a major retail company."
They claimed the exhibition was 'heavy on image but very thin on actual substance'.
Issues raised in the poll included a lack of facilities for young people, concern over the future of sports provisions, and worries that the design was out of character with the World Heritage Site.
People have also raised concerns that Tesco may not follow through on its promises if it is granted planning permission when it submits the application later in the year.
Tesco spokesman Eoin Dardis said: "A wide range of views were expressed at the exhibition and we gained a valuable local insight from local people .
"We want to ensure that Belper gets the maximum benefits from our proposals."
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Weather for Belper
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North
