Tesco to challenge ruling against Everton superstore

Supermarket giant Tesco has launched a legal challenge to December’s ruling against its plans for a superstore in the Everton area of Liverpool. Last month, Tesco’s appeal to develop on the disputed Great Homer Street site was rejected by planning inspector Phillip Ware, following a public enquiry. Tesco had proposed a 90,000 sq ft foodstore, associated petrol station, car parking and landscaping, an indoor market and outdoor market on Great Homer Street. However, Liverpool council with preferred developer St Modwen, plan to build the £150m Project Jennifer on the site. The pair argued that the Tesco scheme would prejudice the comprehensive regeneration of the area. Sainsbury’s has committed to taking a 110,000 sq ft store in the Project Jennifer scheme, which also includes 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, a 965-space car park, a petrol filling station and improved public realm. 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. Tesco is arguing that the planning inspector’s decision in December was wrong on a point of law. Michelle Taylor, regional director of St. Modwen, said: “We are extremely frustrated and dismayed that Tesco has taken this action. “The planning inspector made it very clear that the Tesco scheme would not deliver the regeneration the area so badly needs.”   daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com