A PLAN to build a major new supermarket in Callington moved a step closer this week, after town councillors gave support for the scheme.

Eight members voted in support with one abstention to the proposal for a 4,000 square metre store at Tavistock Road. The general consensus was that it would attract people into the town who would normally travel to other towns like Launceston and Liskeard for their weekly shop.

The plan will now go before Caradon District Council's planning committee in February for determination.

Tesco is proposing a store which would be three-quarters of the size of the Tesco at Launceston and include an in-store bakery and delicatessen. The plans include a four-pump petrol station on the site, a move which has been particularly welcomed by people in the area. The supermarket will also create up to 180 jobs locally.

A two-day consultation was held in the town last autumn, with more than 90% of people who attended being in support of the proposals.

Cllr Denise Winfindale said shops in Callington town centre would benefit from the Tesco store: 'People who go to Tesco in Launceston also go into the town to shop and I think the same thing will happen here. I feel it will profit the town.'

Cllr Mike Green said there was no doubt the store would have an effect on Callington's other supermarket, the Co-op, but he also felt it would keep people shopping in the town rather than going to other towns.

'People living in the outlying villages like Treburley will probably come here, rather than going to Tesco at Launceston, because it is overcrowded,' he said.

A lot would depend on what the store would stock, said Cllr Jeremy Gist, who added that if Tesco decided to put in its value range of white goods, Callington's electrical store would suffer.

There have been concerns about the access and possible congestion with the high levels of traffic using Tavistock Road, particularly with heavy goods vehicles going to and from Ginsters.

Cllr Jeremy Gist said it was vital a pedestrian crossing was installed at the Tavistock Road/Saltash Road junction as part of the Section 106 legal agreement Tesco would enter into as its contribution towards community infrastructure.

Cllr Gist said: 'Anyone who crosses at that junction at the moment is risking life and limb and this must be done to address pedestrian access issues.'

Members were told there were two pedestrian crossings within the Tesco site plan and pavements to be installed from the vets surgery.

Portreeve Rick Lumley supported the plans, but added: 'It is up to us to do everything within our power to support the present and potential retailers and other outlets within the town centre.'

Cllr Andrew Long said he was aware of a petition of 40 names against the proposal, and the Co-op and Morrisons had opposed the scheme claiming Tesco's retail assessment was flawed.

The committee also recommended all boundary hedges should be built before the supermarket was constructed to alleviate disruption to neighbours.

A Tesco spokesman this week said: 'We are obviously very pleased with the result. This local political support reinforces the tremendous support we have had from the public generally.

'Obviously. the final decision rests with Caradon and we look forward to the outcome of the planning meeting.'