Revised guidelines delay plans for store

Councillors on Scarborough Borough Council are expected to block plans for the new Sainsbury's store in Whitby at a planning meeting this Thursday.

The supermarket giant reacted angrily to the initial opposition, but the Council has now confirmed that the further delay became essential after the Government revised national guidelines on retail development.

This guidance was issued between Christmas and the New Year – earlier than the Council had expected and councillors now need training before it is used.

Council planning manager Jill Low said: "It is possible that the revised national policy guidelines could have implications for the Sainsbury's application and others which are in the pipeline.

"For this reason we have had no choice but to defer consideration of the application from the planning and development committee.

"Members of the committee will need to be trained on the new guidance prior to their consideration of this application and this means that a decision on the application will be delayed.

"In the meantime we will be having further discussions with Sainsbury's."

The firm wanted to open the Whitby store by the spring of 2012, subject to planning permission from Scarborough Borough Council.

The retail giant bought land off Stainsacre Lane for the 30,000 sq ft store.

The firm claimed that a smaller outlet – more easily approved – would mean it would not be able to compete effectively with local rivals.