A RETAIL study outlining the future shopping and leisure needs of the borough has been welcomed by Tavistock Chamber of Commerce — which this week said it reinforced the belief that Tavistock did not need another large supermarket.

The findings of the study, commissioned by West Devon Borough Council but carried out by independent consultants, concluded that the town's shops, stores and markets made a significant contribution its success and this should be maintained and enhanced in the future.

'The amount of food shopping done in Morrisons and Lidl is high and there is a risk that an additional food store with more choice on the outskirts of Tavistock could mean that less shopping is done in the town,' said the report.

'Overall the study has shown that there is only capacity in the town for a limited amount of new food shopping space by 2031.'

The report recommended that extra space in the future could be provided by expanding the existing supermarkets or allowing a smaller local or express type store elsewhere in the town.

Chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce Nigel Eadie said: 'The report just confirms all the things that we have been talking about and the views people have been expressing since the Sainsburys appeal some four years ago.'

A planning application by J S Sainsbury to build a supermarket at Plymouth Road was turned down by the planning authority and this decision was upheld by a planning inspector, one of the main reasons being that it would be detrimental to the town centre.

'This report is looking at years ahead and whatever expansion plan there is for housing, the study is saying that we are already well catered for in terms of food shopping,' added Mr Eadie.

'This is very reassuring for businesses in the town and the wider community as a whole, to ensure that Tavistock's future is safeguarded. The retail study is fantastic news for the continued economy vitality of the town.'

Residents of Tavistock and the surrounding area are being invited to have their say on the study, which also states that specialist independent shops and the pannier market in Tavistock are particularly attractive to visitors to the area.

But in terms of non-food shopping, the majority of people are shopping in larger towns and cities outside of the borough, particularly for clothing and DIY goods.

West Devon Borough Council is still awaiting a judgement from the court after applying for a judicial review regarding the former Focus store in Plymouth Road. The building has remained empty for more than a year, in a bid to try and block the way for a supermarket on that site.

Cllr Diana Moyse, lead member for West Devon's strategic planning, said: 'We welcome this study as it provides us with key evidence to shape our towns for the future. Many organisations and individuals have contributed to the interviews and workshops that were held as part of the study.

'Now, the council wants to consult with its residents and the business community on the study's findings and next month we will be holding a series of consultation sessions. We will then use the study and the community's views to shape future policy in West Devon.'