MORE than 300 people attended an exhibition of Marchfield Properties' proposal to bring the former Focus DIY site at Plymouth Road Retail Park back into use as a Tesco store with 76% of people supporting the scheme, according to organisers.

The plans were on display at two exhibitions at the former Focus site itself and at Tavistock Town Hall. More than 291 local people filled in feedback forms over the two days.

People were given the opportunity to view details of the proposed store, a medium-sized supermarket occupying the existing building on the site, and to discuss the plans with representatives of Marchfield Properties and Tesco, as well as their team of consultants. The representatives said that of the 291 forms filled, 222 (76%) were in support of the proposals, with 38 (13%) opposed outright. The remaining 31 (11%) were unsure. 

The store, approximately two thirds the size of Morrisons, would primarily sell food and other groceries. Tesco said many of those who attended the exhibition currently travelled to Tesco stores in Callington and Roborough for their weekly main food shop and welcomed the prospect of being able to stock up in Tavistock. 

Melanie Chiswell, corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said 'It was very encouraging to get such positive feedback from the community in Tavistock. The mix of full and part-time jobs that we will be offering was of particular interest to many of the people I spoke to over the two days.'

Marchfield Properties, which owns the site, will be submitting a planning application to West Devon Borough Council during May.

Feedback from the exhibitions will be included in a report called a Statement of Community Engagement, which will form part of the application. 

Tavistock Chamber of Commerce has been advised by a planning consultant to fight the proposal for a Tesco store because of the potential impact on the town centre shops but has agreed for a representative from Marchfield Properties to come and talk to the chamber at its next meeting.