Despite many rumours, we can reveal that no big-name supermarket is behind the controversial plan for a Looe superstore – yet.
Mr John Whittaker, planning consultant for the developers, Nuthurst of Plymouth, confirmed yesterday that the company would be hoping to obtain a suitable site with planning permission – and then find a buyer from the big chains.
Since the news of the Millpool supermarket application was revealed in the Cornish Times last week, there have been many reservations expressed about its suitability because of the loss of parking spaces.
Town councillor and chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Dave Peat, says parking in Looe is at a premium which is why there has been some discontent about the arts centre being sited on the Millpool. 'I am totally against this application' he said. Nuthurst Developments, the latest company to lodge a planning application for a supermarket in Looe, this time on the Millpool car park, also has designs on Polean, the industrial site further up the valley.
No planning application has been lodged as yet for this site, but the Cornish Times has discovered that Nuthurst have already met with Caradon officials to discuss the proposals for both plans. The company wants the supermarket, in the region of 15-16000 sq ft, to be sited next to the Millpool itself, on the play area and alongside Norman Pearns Boatyard, and has already purchased the old Gas Holder site. See page 7