The quality of the debate was praised by local Councillors who spoke during the Herefordshire Planning committee meeting last Wednesday before a full public gallery. The speakers ranged from local Councillors, who generally seemed in favour, to Councillors who reflected the officers' concerns that a new supermarket would affect the vitality and viability of Ross town centre, to other Councillors who felt that conditions would ensure the development would enhance the site and create jobs. After several hours it seemed as if Tesco would be given approval. Councillor Willcox proposed granting permission against the officers' recommendations but this was refused 9-6, then the members voted on the proposal for refusal which was passed 9-5 with one abstention. The officers' recommendation for refusal was because they strongly felt that the new supermarket would affect the town centre. Other considerations included the loss of employment land but they agreed it was debatable whether the development was edge of town or out of town, depending on where you take the measure, Tesco wanted it from the edge of site, planners from the entrance to the store.

See this week's Ross Gazette for more details.