MP urges 'caution' to preserve port as giant chains plan stores

The intense debate surrounding three separate planning applications to either build a new Tesco or Sainsbury's store or extend the existing Co-op outlet in the centre of Whitby is due to climax when Scarborough Borough Council meets to decide which scheme should be given the go-ahead.

The Conservative MP for Whitby and Scarborough, Robert Goodwill, revealed yesterday that he has been contacted by dozens of constituents about the proposed schemes, although the majority had voiced the biggest concerns over the Tesco plan on greenfield land.

Mr Goodwill called on councillors on the borough council's planning committee to remain acutely aware of the impact a major supermarket development could have on the port's character – as well as the scores of independent shops in Whitby.

A specially convened planning meeting will be held on Thursday, July 29, to discuss all three proposals.

Mr Goodwill said: "There has been an intense debate over the three proposed schemes, although I do think that the majority of people acknowledge that Whitby needs a new supermarket development.

"However, we need to be very careful to preserve the character of Whitby, and be aware of the impact that a major supermarket could have on the town. While a new supermarket will bring jobs to Whitby, there is also the impact it will have on the town's independent retailers that needs to be considered.

"I am very pleased that the council has decided to consider all three applications together, as it is such a big decision for the town and needs to be looked at very carefully."

Civic leaders have admitted that the battle over the supermarket applications is one of the biggest decisions which the town has faced in recent years.

The Yorkshire Post revealed last week that the Mayor of Whitby, Terry Jennison, had admitted that the "very emotive" issue has split the town.

Members of a campaign group called Whitby Residents Against Tesco were due to hand in a petition which has collected more than 3,500 signatures to the town council last night.

The campaigners have raised concerns over the impact that the Tesco development will have on the town, causing more traffic tailbacks on Whitby's already congested streets as well as its famous landscape.

Campaign spokeswoman Helen Barker, 67, lives with her husband, Wilfred, 70, in Runswick Avenue close to the site earmarked for Tesco.

She says a brownfield site should be used for a supermarket development – like the Saintsbury's scheme is earmarked for an existing industrial park.

She added: "We hope the councillors can see the petition as proof that the Tesco superstore is not wanted.

"There is such a wave of opposition to Tesco coming to Whitby because it will destroy this town. We believe the town councillors can see this and will lobby the planning committee and fight to save Whitby."

An order of nuns has faced criticism after agreeing to sell off part of its estate to the store.

However, the Order of the Holy Paraclete, which was founded in 1915, defended its actions and said the sale of the land would be used to fund community projects, as well as providing affordable housing.

Tesco has also issued a strong defence of its proposals, and claimed up to 300 jobs could be created.

The developer behind the scheme, York-based S Harrison Developments Ltd, stressed that 93 "badly needed" affordable houses would also be built.