CORNWALL'S planners are due to consider controversial proposals for a Tesco store on the outskirts of Looe next week – but face a call for it to be removed from the agenda.

Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee is scheduled to discuss the application when it meets on Thursday, February 7.

Planning officials are recommending that the committee grant delegated approval for the scheme which would result in a 2,322 sq metre Tesco foodstore, filling station, car wash, access, parking, retaining structures, infrastructure and landscaping, on land off Barbican Road.

The proposal has divided the community and Looe Town Council has formally objected to the scheme, which has attracted more than 50 objectors and some 30 letters of support.

This week the Looe Strategy Group revealed that it has written to Cornwall Council asking for the item to be withdrawn from the agenda. The group says it is of 'serious concern' that the council appears anxious to have the project approved and built in the name of short-term economic activity and a limited provision of affordable housing.

It goes on to say that the council seems prepared not only to abandon principles of good planning but also to recommend approval before the consultation period has concluded.

David Gamblin, of the Strategy Group, says the council has set a deadline of today, February 1, for members of the public to comment on the application, giving committee members limited opportunity to take them into consideration.

The group has told the council that 'in order to avoid leaving Cornwall Council open to accusations of maladministration', the application should be withdrawn from the agenda to allow for proper consultation.

At the time of going to press the application remained on the agenda.