Tesco warning on derelict garage sale (From The Northern Echo)

Tesco warning on derelict garage sale

5:49pm Monday 14th April 2008 in

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TESCO has warned Darlington residents that derelict land subject to a series of controversial planning applications may take more time to be sold.

The supermarket giant pledged to sell the run-down former filling station at Harrowgate Hill after three bids to open a new store were rejected by planners following complaints from local residents.

Last month, ward councillor Mark Burton accused the company of holding on to the land to "punish" residents for standing against the plans.

A spokeswoman for Tesco said yesterday that the company does intend to sell the land, but the sale may take longer than expected due to the effects of the credit crunch and planning restrictions on the land.

"When Tesco submits plans to develop a store, having the planning application refused by a local planning committee, while disappointing, is one of the possible risks and outcomes of the planning process," she said.

"To suggest that Tesco would take this outcome personally, and would hold it against a local community by deliberately hanging onto the land is ridiculous."

The supermarket chain has applied for planning permission to open a Tesco Express at the site three times. Darlington Borough Council's planning department refused the firm's final application in December 2007.

Residents have regularly complained about the state of the site - which has been empty since Shell closed the filling station in February 2005.

The Tesco spokeswoman added: "We are constantly talking with developers and property agents about this site on North Road, however as the land is restricted to commercial use and planning permission for retail use is not possible, the number of possible buyers is reduced."

Harrowgate Hill ward councillor Gill Cartwright said: "Tesco are supposed to have tidied this site up but that has not been done.

"I would urge them to try and find a buyer as soon as possible, but in the meantime they should do what they can to make the site more presentable.

"It is an eyesore for local residents but also for tourists and business people who visit the town.

"The site is one of the first things people see when they come to Darlington - it doesn't create a good first impression."