Campaigners vow to step up fight to halt superstore plan

Now, they have pledged to back Hambleton District Council as it prepares to step-up its battle against developers after an appeal was lodged against the decision.

Councillors voted unanimously to turn down the application on Thursday, arguing that the superstore would damage the historic market town.

Maurice Cann, Hambleton’s head of development, said: “The decision was based on the fact that the proposal would have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Easingwold town centre and surrounding village shops. Further concerns, set out in the notice of refusal, relate to dangerous traffic movements, insufficient parking and the harmful effect on a number of residents living around the site.”

But the final decision now rests with a Government planning inspector following the launch of the appeal by the Retail Development Partnership, which submitted the application.

Terry Browne, chairman of the Keep Easingwold Special campaign, said: “We fully support the refusal of planning permission, and congratulate the council on a very sensible decision. We will be continuing our support for the council in their fight against this particular planning application. We have already said we are prepared to be available to assist in whatever way possible.

“As we see it, the developers plans are potentially damaging to this Georgian market town, which has a major appeal to tourists, and are clearly not welcome in Easingwold.”

The Yorkshire Post revealed in January that more than 2,000 residents and businesses around Easingwold have signed a petition against the proposals for a superstore which would cover more than 2,000sqm of the former Falcon Office Furniture site, claiming it will damage the area’s character and have a “devastating effect” on the town centre and market square.

The Retail Development Partnership claims the scheme, which also includes a 130-space car park, will create jobs and provide more shopping options for residents.

It has not yet been confirmed which supermarket chain would operate the store if it is approved.