PLANS for a Tesco store in Callington could be called in for determination by Government inspectors after being declared a departure from local planning policies.

The decision may be taken out of the hands of Caradon District Council, if members show support for the scheme in Tavistock Road, because of its position outside the town centre.

Planning officer Michael Lowe said the proposal for a supermarket in Tavistock Road had been advertised as a departure from the local development plan as a safeguard measure.

'It is too early to say whether officers are going to recommend approval or refusal of this application, but we are aware that there is a large amount of support in the town for it,' he said.

'By advertising it as a departure now it will save us some time later on should the council wish to approve the application.'

As part of the process further comments are being invited from the public.

The supermarket application was the subject of a two-day public consultation in Callington where the majority of people who filled in questionnaires supported the plans.

Callington Town Council will be discussing the application later this month.

Tesco said the site in Tavistock Road was the closest suitable site to the town centre and if planning permission was granted, work could begin in the summer.