It's all down to the woolly wording and interpretation. The interpretation of the District Local Plan on this matter is the Carpets of Worth site is designated for a mix of businesses and residential dwellings, but if that is not possible then a mix of shops and restaurants. Yet with Tesco we get neither, just a big single store from one retailer (not shops) with no restaurant or café and the Local Plan (the bible) didn't mention a petrol station! Planning permission has been granted on something thatgoes against the Local Plan – go figure!

The Retail Study, I believe used by Tesco to leverage planning permission against the Local Plan, is a double-edged sword because that repeatedly states a need for a 'foodstore' in Stourport. If the new Tesco could sell non-food then is would be an out-of-town development and no need for traffic flow and pedestrian flow manipulation. However, the requirement is for a provision of traffic flow and pedestrian flow 'improvements', so customers can walk to the High Street for non-food items.

Put it this way if I was a florist, a newsagents, or sell music CD's in Stourport High Street I would be worried for my future right now, because while in the new Tesco, I think picking up some flowers, a newspaper and lottery ticket and some CD's for the car is a whole deal more appetising that walking into town.

The Wyre Forest Agenda (wfa.org.uk)

Ah but the non-food items will be restricted to only those things 'expected' from a food superstore.

Their smaller store already sells items such as DVDs, CDs, magazines, cigarettes, nappies, and lottery tickets so they're unlikely to be taken to task over selling such; however this should preclude them from electronics and clothing.

That is until they've built it and start to complain that the Co-op sells electrical goods and that customers 'expect' a store of this size to carry a clothing range.

Just for clarity Tesco call it a Supermarket and from their supporting (2.3 etc in bold below) documentation as of October 2007 on which outline permission was granted in March, Tesco seem to think that they will be selling more than just food.

2.3 Tesco currently operates a small and outdated store in Stourport town centre
which does not provide the range of goods or quality of shopping environment its customers have come to expect, and which cannot be adapted to meet the highest modern standards. A replacement store which accords with Tesco’s current specification in terms of customer facilities, shopping offer and space standards is required to meet a clear qualitative need for enhancement of the convenience shopping role of Stourport.

2.4 The store will include 2,403 sq m (25,865 sq ft) net sales area, providing the wide range of food
and non-food goods and services expected in a modern supermarket, together with staff catering facilities and offices and storage areas.

2.5 An internal roundabout will give access to the store car park, service yard and the petrol filling station. It is also designed to facilitate access to adjacent land to the south in the…
Or are you more in the know than Tesco and the Planning committee? So I think you are right for clarity we should not call it a supermarket we should call it what it really will be... A self contained out of town SUPER STORE!

Just for clarity it is not a 'new Tesco supermarket' as that would imply that it sells food, electrical items, clothes, etc... It has been stipulated that the Tesco at Carpets of Worth site will sell food only, so can we refer to it as the 'new Tesco super food store' instead?

The Wyre Forest Agenda wfa.org.uk

I'm concerned about the air quality already caused by the major traffic problems that already exist due to the lack of a relief road. Obviously Tesco's proposed store would make that worse UNLESS the powers that be WAKE UP and insist on Tesco contributing towards such a road and then THEY drive it forward to a reality!!!!