ON April 21 the public inquiry commences which will consider Sainsbury's appeal against refusal of planning permission to develop the site in the Plymouth Road area. It seems that Sainsbury's do not wish to take a resounding 'No' for an answer.
By a strange quirk in the planning system West Devon Borough Council will be required to defend the unanimous decision made by our elected councillors to refuse permission.
There will also be representation at the inquiry by other parties, including the Brook Campaign, and members of the public will be able to attend any or all of the sessions, which will be held at the Bedford Hotel and will last between five and seven days (excluding Friday and Monday).
There were nearly 400 letters of objection from members of the public to this application and only a small number in support. I would urge those members of our community who feel strongly that the arrival of Sainsbury's in a location over a mile from the centre of town would not serve the best interests of our unique and busy town centre, or the community of Tavistock, to make a special effort to attend the inquiry and to demonstrate by their very presence the strength of the feelings to the Planning Inspectorate. Attendance is crucial, voicing your opinion at this stage is not.
Gillian Hiles
Tavistock