MORRISONS in Liskeard has withdrawn its application for an external garden centre amid strong opposition to the plan.

The supermarket had been trading from the side of the store opposite the car park, selling plants in the earlier part of the year without planning permission, creating an outcry from other traders.

Liskeard town council's planning committee had 'strongly' objected to the plan from Morrisons in July to retain an extension of steel mesh and timber-framed fencing to part of the existing store canopy to use as an external garden centre (retrospective).

The council was alarmed to receive an email in August from the case officer dealing with Morrisons' application, giving notice of his intention to recommend approval.

Mayor Tony Powell, who along with town clerk Andrew Deacon had reaffirmed the council's objections, drew the case officer's attention to an article in The Times, by MP Jack Straw, concerning the use by major companies of circumventing planning decisions and policies.

The objections led Cornwall Council to issue instructions for an assessment to be carried out on the effect on the town centre the proposal could have, and two weeks later Morrisons decided to withdraw the plan.