THE final decision on plans for a Tesco store on the outskirts of Callington could be taken out of the hands of Caradon District Council after the project was declared a departure from existing planning policies for the area.

The scheme to provide the town with a second superstore and a petrol station, located on land at Pengelly Farm off Tavistock Road near the Ginsters factory, is expected to create 180 jobs.

Plans were submitted to Caradon District Council following extensive public consultation, including a two-day exhibition of the company's proposals for the site, which showed considerable public support.

Town councillors have already given their backing to the development.

Challenged

But now the application is being advertised as a 'departure from approved and established polices' and further comments are being invited from the public as the development is considered to be at odds with the provisions of the local development plan.

This plan, drawn up by the district council and approved by a Government-appointed inspector in 2007, identifies areas suitable for particular types of development. In view of the possible conflict, the application could be 'called-in' for a final decision to be made by the Government.

Agents acting for rival supermarket firm Morrisons have already challenged Tesco's proposals, saying use of the 'greenfield' site would be in direct conflict with the Cornwall Structure Plan and the South West Regional Spatial Strategy which seeks to make use of previously-developed land in urban areas.

Support

They add that the inspector who gave consideration to the Caradon Local Plan said at the time that he did not consider the Pengelly Farm site as suitable for retail development.

Tesco believes the level of support already shown by local people indicates there is an appetite for a supermarket in Callington.

A Tesco spokesman said: 'In line with Government policy, the application is for the closest suitable site to the town centre and we have been pleased to incorporate many of the suggestions we have had from local people into our plans.'

The company hopes that if planning permission for the development is granted, work on the new store could begin in the summer.