'Ignored' Ottery supermarket report cost �3.5k
AN ignored independent report, commissioned with public money to investigate Tesco and Sainsbury s Ottery plans, cost tax-payers �3,642. The dossier has been branded a waste of money amid claims East Devon District Council (EDDC) decision-makers did
AN "ignored" independent report, commissioned with public money to investigate Tesco and Sainsbury's Ottery plans, cost tax-payers �3,642.
The dossier has been branded a "waste of money" amid claims East Devon District Council (EDDC) decision-makers didn't heed expert advice when they granted Sainsbury's permission to build a 20,000sq ft Hind Street store.
Councillor Roger Giles revealed the cost and asked: "What was the point of commissioning the survey in the first place?"
The costly report, compiled by experts GVAGrimley, cast doubt over the suitability of both supermarkets plans.
You may also want to watch:
It advised Sainsbury's Hind Street location was the "preferable" site for an Ottery supermarket, but warned the scale of the proposed store should be reduced.
EDDC officers followed suit, recommending a scaled-down Sainsbury's for approval.
Most Read
- 1 Sidmouth artist paints a picture of hope for the NHS
- 2 17th century chest from Ottery manor to be auctioned
- 3 Free Zoom workshop for parents, carers and professionals during Lockdown
- 4 Westpoint one of two news venues to be used for vaccine roll out
- 5 The master sportsman: Norman Borrett
- 6 Commemorative elm tree planted to mark National Tree Warden scheme's 30th anniversary
- 7 'Follow the spirit of the lockdown restrictions'
- 8 'It’s amazing how much you take for granted and how much we have to be grateful for'
- 9 Hospiscare charity will hold virtual recruitment fair
- 10 Lottery funding for fishermen's shed project
Just two votes separated development management committee members' decision to give a larger store the nod instead of a smaller outlet.
"I regret EDDC commissioned the survey and spent that money," said Cllr Giles. "It gave a detailed report that established the damage of such a large store to Ottery.
"The majority of members ignored the report and went for a decision against expert officers' advice.