Alterations planned to Tesco store set to be approved

The scheme to build the store on the former markets area in the town near Barnsley has been controversial for several years, but work finally got underway on the site earlier this year.

Now Barnsley Council's planning regulatory board is to be asked to approve the changes to the scheme which the company says will significantly reduce its use of gas and electricity.

In an application to the authority, Tesco says the lobby will be designed to reduce the store's heating bills by 50 per cent, and is part of a plan to introduce lobbies at its stores nationwide.

The firm also says its altered plans would reduce spaces from 205 to 202 in order to make more space around the entrance and see the ground level of the store raised by 800mm (2.6ft).

As part of the altered plans, the town's former fur and feather market building will also be demolished, but the council's report says talks are currently underway with traders over a replacement.

Two letters of objection have been received by the council which raise concerns over the reduction in parking, the increase in the height of the store, which will affect neighbours, and an increase in noise.

Penistone Town Council has objected to the alterations because of the reduction in car parking spaces and local MP Mick Clapham has also written to the council about constituents' concerns.

Officers recommend Tesco's alterations are given planning permission as the "principle of development" had already been established when the store was given approval.