TESCO is planning an eco convenience store for Ottery and will be seeking townspeople s views on the idea. After the shock discovery last week that Tesco has bought part of the Otter Mill Site, and an outcry from many local people, the retail giant has

TESCO is planning an 'eco convenience store' for Ottery and will be seeking townspeople's views on the idea.

After the shock discovery last week that Tesco has bought part of the Otter Mill Site, and an outcry from many local people, the retail giant has decided to exhibit their eco-friendly proposals for the site.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: "In essence the proposals will be for a small supermarket, half the size of the one in Axminster.

"It would be built from the latest Tesco sustainable materials as Tesco has got a target to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 per cent by 2020.

"We think a small supermarket or eco convenience store will bring jobs, food choice and investment at a time when not much other investment is going on in Ottery."

She said she wanted to encourage all Ottery residents to attend the consultation.

She added: "We would like to see everybody in the community to hear what they want.

"We have heard reports that there is some opposition but we would also like to see those who are supportive of the scheme."

Tesco Stores Limited bought the site for nearly £3 million in January but the news only came to light last week leaving many Ottery residents feeling in the dark.

Phil Foggitt, a member of Factory Future, a working group of Sustainable Ottery, has received a large amount support from residents opposing the purchase.

He said: "I was pleasantly surprised with the level of opposition. I have had a lot of e-mails supporting our stance on it.

"Ottery is quite a close community and people feel quite possessive about their community. They don't want it to be changed in adverse ways."

There has also been widespread concern by traders that if Tesco were to open a supermarket in Ottery it would detract business from local companies.

Paul Hackett, vice chairman of the Ottery Chamber of Commerce, said: "The chamber has not yet had the chance to discuss it but I know some of our members are very concerned."

Mr Hackett expressed his fear that people would bypass the town to visit the supermarket.

He added: "The problem is it is out of town. It will make things a lot quieter as there is only so much trade to go about.

"If you have this sort of competition it will spoil a town like Ottery."

Tesco will be holding their public consultation on Wednesday, December 3 from 1pm-7pm and Thursday, December 4 from 10am-5pm at 1 Prospect Place, Ottery St Mary.