Aldeburgh: Planning application for Tesco store in Saxmundham Road given the go ahead

CONTROVERSIAL proposals to open a supermarket in one of Suffolk’s most prestigious seaside towns have been given the go ahead.

Members of Suffolk Coastal District Council’s (SCDC) North Area Development Control Sub-Committee today voted in favour of allowing a Tesco Express store to open on the site of the former Crossways Garage in Saxmundham Road, Aldeburgh.

The application, tabled by developers Pigeon, also includes five flats and 18 permanent parking spaces with an additional three “temporary” bays.

The proposed opening hours are from 7am to 10pm daily and bosses believe it will generate around 20 jobs for the area.

The scheme has fuelled much debate in the town, with those in favour claiming it will offer more shopping choice and lower prices, while those against fear it could destroy the town’s High Street and erode its unique character.

Councillors voted five in favour and four against the development following representations from both sides and a lengthy debate.

The green light was given subject to conditions as outlined by the head of health, the highways authority and flood mitigation measures.

Those opposed reacted angrily to the decision, believing their views had not been given enough consideration.

However bosses at Pigeon welcomed the vote and said they looked forward to progressing the scheme, which they hoped to start in early summer.

For full reaction see Saturday’s EADT.