Tesco could win approval for new Wisbech superstore as early as next week

A MULTI million pound 8,000 square metre Tesco store for Wisbech - with two roof mounted wind turbines and recycling centre- could win approval as early as next week.

If approved by Fenland District Council it will mean the demolition of the existing store and the payment by Tesco of �200,000 to the county council to improve access.

With existing sales area of 3,540 square metres, the new store will have a net floor sales area of 5,362 square metres - an increase of 51. 5 per cent.

However Fenland planners, who have prepared a report for councillors, said the company already has consent to expand the existing store to that extent.

"Replacement with a new store is considered a more efficient manner of delivering the additional sales space," says the report.

"Tesco also propose to extend the range of comparison goods to 39 per cent from the existing level of 29 per cent. The justification provided is to enable the store to compete with higher quality stores in surrounding towns."

Planners believe the new store's impact on Wisbech town centre "to be within acceptable limits and the site is accessible by various transport modes."

The report concludes: "The design is considered to be to a high standard, incorporating contemporary materials and will enhance the appearance of the site. The scheme will also result in an improved highway solution to the junction with Cromwell Road.

"The additional retail space proposed is not considered to harm Wisbech town centre and in fact will provide a wider choice of goods for the consumer. The application is therefore recommended for approval."

Wisbech Town Council says it is concerned about traffic congestion but the application has received widespread support - only two members of the public submitted comments, both raising similar concerns to the town council over traffic.