The fight is back on over Waitrose plans for Truro as legal challenge looks likely
Plans for a Waitrose and new park and ride in Truro are almost certain to face a major legal challenge that could stop the scheme in its tracks.
The Truro Eastern District Centre (TEDC) also includes plans for more than 100 houses, a recycling centre and a local produce food hall at the top of Tregolls Road.
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The fight is on over Waitrose plans for Truro as a legal challenge takes a major step forward.
But the highly controversial multi-million pound project is now facing a major threat.
It emerged today that Truro City Council has been given permission by the High Court to pursue a Judicial Review into the planning approval for the scheme granted by Cornwall Council.
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The project is backed by Waitrose, the Duchy of Cornwall, Cornwall Council and Taste of Cornwall which accused the city council of being "out of touch with the electorate".
The Judicial Review – which would be heard in the High Court – could render the planning approval invalid and stop the scheme.
Roger Gazzard, clerk of Truro City Council, said: "It would be an example of how not to develop on the edge of a precious rural market town that has a beautiful agricultural landscape setting and a fragile retail economy.
"Cornwall Council, the Duchy of Cornwall and Waitrose would produce, in a beautiful valley in open countryside, an isolated suburban ribbon of development."
Mr Gazzard added the city council would very much like to see a Waitrose in Truro but that it should be in the city rather than on the outskirts.
Rob Nolan, who sits on Truro City Council and Cornwall Council, said: "Our legal team tell us we've got a strong case, so we're not too surprised to hear the Judge say we have grounds for appeal.
"We're pleased to be able to continue the fight."
Truro City Council also agreed to set aside £45,000 for legal battles in this year's budget and is also considering a Judicial Review against the planning permission for 1,500 homes near Threemilestone.
The city council will now have to meet to discuss whether to go ahead with the legal battle and meet the costs.
Elwyn Jones, chairman of Taste for Cornwall and a partner in the proposed TEDC, said: "I am naturally disappointed on behalf of Cornish agriculture when we are trying to satisfy the current accelerated demand for local produce and feel that TCC are completely out of touch with their electorate and their attempts to frustrate the democratic planning process do not serve their electorate well."
A spokesman for Cornwall Council said: "Cornwall Council welcomes the High Court's decision to bring forward without delay the hearing into Truro City Council's judicial review in respect of the Truro Eastern District Centre.
"We are confident that the decision to award planning permission is lawful and we will be robustly defending the application."
6 Comments
by Restart
Friday, March 08 2013, 4:14PM
“""No one asks the farmer who sold his land at his own will and the CORNISH family how sold their house to the developers why??"
Because they DIDN'T sell their land. The land is owned by The Duchy of Cornwall, & the farmers who currently use the land are effectively being evicted to make way for this development that very few people actually want.
As for stopping the Threemilestone project that nobody wants, I'm afraid it may already be too late. As walking down the country roads around the back of the proposed development last week, I noticed several roads have already been dug out & concreted through green fields.”
by Truro_England
Friday, March 08 2013, 2:45PM
“No one asks the farmer who sold his land at his own will and the CORNISH family how sold their house to the developers why??
Truro is a City and needs growth also to look to the future not stay in the past like many would rather Cornwall be, I hope it goes ahead and if your interested I live right around the corner from Tregolls Road (closer than most of you) passing comments!”
by josdave
Friday, March 08 2013, 2:27PM
“Apart from destroying acres of good land this will severely disrupt traffic from the east of the city and many peope will avoid Truro altogether. This together with the Coyte Farm "development" for St Austell will ruin many local independent traders in favour of big business and create a huge traffic problem. Planners? A 10 year old kid could do better.”
by willythefish
Friday, March 08 2013, 7:17AM
“Worth noting, perhaps, that Waitrose turned down the opportunity to take over the old supermarket site in Victoria Square.
It seems to me that the destruction of farm land to make an out of town supermarket is driven mainly by the massive increase in value of land that is used for 'development'.
This 'development' is about generating massive capital gains for the owners. As for the 'eco-prince' what price his 'green' principles when there are massive profits to be made?”
by dotsters
Thursday, March 07 2013, 10:38PM
“Mr Elywyn Jones - so sorry that as a partner of the scheme you are feeling 'disappointed'. The argument is about the location of waitrose on a beautiful green field site and not about stunting the growth of cornish agriculture. We already have a very successful farmers market within the city which brings shoppers into the centre of town and which is essential for the future of retail within Truro. TCC are far more in touch with their electorate than you think (the majority of which oppose this scheme) TCC actually have councillors who live in the area rather than the County Council who's Members live in far reaching corners of the County and who are able to vote on planning issues that have no relevance to them or their own electorate. Bring on the fight I say!!”
by poldice
Thursday, March 07 2013, 6:54PM
“Excellent news, its high time that the City Council stood up to these selfish ghreedy developers that seek to further desecrate one of Britains loveliest little Cities that is the Jewell in Cornwalls Crown despite the grievous damage already done.
I wish them every success at Tregurra Farm and hopefully Threemilestone as well.”