Council scrap Tesco land deal.

Councillors have scrapped a land deal with Tesco which was holding up development of Bridgnorth’s long-awaited relief road. Construction of the road to ease congestion could now start next year. The decision to scrap the Tesco deal signals the end of the “store wars” between Sainsbury’s and Tesco, with both companies vying to build at Smithfield in Bridgnorth. Sainsbury’s has planning permission to extend its store, while Tesco was refused permission to build a new store, also at Smithfield. Bridgnorth District Council had entered into an agreement with Tesco in 2001 which meant Tesco had first option on a council-owned piece of land which is key to both developments. Yesterday’s decision by the council’s resources and finance committee means Sainsbury’s bosses can now push forward with their scheme. The Sainsbury’s proposal, developed with Bridgnorth landowners Horne and Meredith, centres around the Whitburn Street relief road and a comprehensive redevelopment of the Old Smithfield site. Council spokeswoman, Eleanor Harris, said it was possible they could start work next year and the development could therefore be in place in 2009. Councillor Ed Shirley, chairman of the resources and finance committee, said: “The committee is delighted with the decision.”

If only Sheringham could do the same.