TESCO's plans to expand its store at Catterick Garrison have been backed in principle by the narrowest of margins.

The casting vote of Coun Jim Fryer, chairman of Richmondshire District Council's environment and planning committee, cleared the way for further discussions about design, layout, parking and access details.

The committee agreed it was "minded to approve" the scheme. Senior officers and members will now finalise the details, following further discussions with Tesco, and report to a future committee.

Consultation responses received by the deadline early next week will also be fed into the negotiations.

The company proposes to increase floorspace from 4,952 to 6,899 square metres to provide extra sales areas and storage and a small caf. The scheme will create 70 jobs.

Councillors who opposed the plans feared loss of trade from other town centres, particularly Richmond and Leyburn.

They also feared the extra traffic generated would pose problems on the site and at the nearby junction with Richmond Road. The highways authority is already examining improvements at that location.

Coun John Harris, who said he sometimes shopped at the store, told the committee on Tuesday: "In the past, the people of Catterick Garrison didn't have the facilities they deserved but now the people of Richmond are being disadvantaged. The balance has shifted too far in the direction of Tesco."

However, Coun Pat Middlemiss, Scotton ward member, and Coun Ann Bagley, who represents Hipswell, backed the expansion and said the store attracted people who used to travel out of Richmondshire to shop.

"Tesco is the best thing that ever happened to Catterick Garrison," said Coun Middlemiss, who accused committee members who shopped there but opposed the plans of being churlish.

Coun Bagley, ward member, said: "The whole Richmondshire Walk development has been a great boon to Catterick Garrison. From next month, the garrison will be almost at full capacity for the first time in two years. I am all for this development."

She suggested a one-way system to and from the car park might help ease traffic problems.

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