Tesco loses Great Homer Street Liverpool superstore appeal

  Tesco’s appeal to build a superstore on the site of St Modwen’s Project Jennifer development in north Liverpool has been dismissed.   Tesco proposed a 90,000 sq ft foodstore, with associated petrol station, car parking and landscaping, an indoor market and outdoor market area in Great Homer Street.   But following a public inquiry earlier this year its application has been rejected by planning inspector Phillip Ware.   Liverpool council and development partner St Modwen argued that the store would prejudice a comprehensive redevelopment, which will deliver a district centre providing “greater comparison shopping and greater choice to local people than a free standing foodstore”.   Sainsbury’s has committed to taking a 110,000 sq ft store in this scheme, which also includes a 965-space car park, petrol filling station, 80,000 sq ft of non-food retail stores, a market hall and 300 relocated outdoor market stalls, 481 homes, facilities for the Primary Care Trust, a new library, leisure facilities, 80,000 sq ft of light industrial and an improved public realm.   Councillor Peter Millea, Liverpool council’s executive member for assets and development, said: “We have always believed that what is needed here is a scheme to regenerate the district rather than just a standalone store.   “This decision will enable us to go ahead with a comprehensive regeneration scheme- something which the planning inspector has clearly recognised is what is required in North Liverpool.”   It is expected that land assembly will begin in spring 2010.   St Modwen was selected by Liverpool council as preferred developer in 2004 and a development agreement was signed in 2005.   Outline planning permission for the scheme was granted in 2007.   paul.norman@estatesgazette.com