Seaton Tesco issue keeps us scratching our head

By PRSD, on Sunday, November 1, 2009

The Seaton Tesco issue keeps us scratching our head. The Tesco representatives were welcomed onto the Seaton Regeneration board, but they’ve been on it for ages – even before they got the go-ahead to build their supermarket, which the people of Seaton didn’t want, and plenty spoke against at the planning meeting, only to get the nod from the councillors. And the group’s chairman made an eye-brow raising mention of ‘democracy’ – the new councillor present hadn’t even been voted in!

We were under the impression that Seaton Council was pushing for an inquiry into the decision, but that didn’t stop the back slapping at the regeneration committee meeting on Wednesday, October 28.

Chairman Cllr Ray Franklin told the Tesco’s delegate: “As a land-owner in the regeneration area, you have had a seat on this board for some time. You are now a partner with the other stakeholders, who are keen to see Seaton prosper, so I welcome you to this meeting on that basis.

“I know there is continuing opposition from some quarters in the town, following the decision by EDDC’s [East Devon District Council's] Development Management Committee to approve the Tesco proposals.

“But people need to remember that it was a democratic decision, taking into account all the relevant policies and guidance.”

Hmm, among those attending was councillor Ian Thomas, the new EDDC Member for Trinity Ward, which includes Axmouth, who gained his seat without an election – due to insufficient candidates.

And we’ve yet to find the reasons for their decision for Tesco rather than Sainsbury’s – the reason’s aren’t in the minutes.

Head scratching indeed.

• Can you shed any light on Seaton supermarket regeneration? Comments below, please.