Planners delay stores decision as rivals target historic port

Planners announced yesterday that a decision on a new Sainsbury's store near Whitby would be delayed for two months so it can be considered alongside an application by rivals Tesco.

Scarborough Council had initially agreed to debate the Sainsbury proposal for Stainsacre Lane in May before Tesco's plans were on the table, at a special planning meeting in Whitby rather than the town hall.

However, senior members of the authority have now decided Sainsbury's will have to wait until July for a decision to give Tesco time to catch up with its proposal for site at Sneaton Castle, just outside Whitby.

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Head of planning Pauline Elliott said they had changed their minds following advice from consultants because the Tesco application had been received.

She added: "We have concluded that considering both at the same time is the best way to ensure holistic debate on all the important planning issues relevant to both applications, and hopefully deliver the right outcome in what is a very important decision for Whitby."

However, the planning meeting on May 13 will still go ahead in Whitby because an extension to the Co-op store in Langborne Road, near Whitby Station is also on the agenda.

An exhibition of all three retail applications at Whitby Tourist Information Centre on Langbourne Road ends today but people can still study the plans from 10am until 4.30pm.

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A presentation to Scarborough Councillors about the supermarket applications will be held at 11am on Thursday at the Planning and Development Committee meeting at Scarborough town hall, which the public can attend as observers.