Tesco threaten council with mezzanine

Plans to extend a major supermarket have been delayed after concerns from an engineering firm. Tesco, in Burn Road, Hartlepool, wants to extend its shop floor by more than 2,500 square metres by incorporating the former Jewson depot into its premises. The development would also see an extra 351 car parking spaces .But nearby HQ Engineering has objected to the plans because it claims heavy goods vehicles would not be able to enter or leave its premises because of new traffic lights and extra traffic. Managing director Mike Douglas said Tesco's proposals could even force the company out of business.He told a meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee: "We need clear access to our yard at all times."It is murder to get out of our yard as it is."Councillors agreed to defer a decision on whether to grant planning permission until a future meeting, so discussions could take place between Tesco, HQ Engineering and the council about the traffic situation. Coun Edna Wright said: "I don't think we can sacrifice an established company to benefit Tesco." Tesco has said the extension would create extra choice for customers, with 2,601 square metres of new floor space. But the company has said that if planning permission is not granted, it will go ahead with plans to construct a new storey between the ground and first floors, which would not need council permission. Officers said that this could mean around 3,189 extra square metres, which could be detrimental to smaller town centre businesses.