PLANS for the expansion of Sidmouth's Waitrose store are moving forward with arrangements for land to be sold to the company, writes Andrew Coley. East Devon District Council has published a notice that it intends to dispose of some land near the Stowford

PLANS for the expansion of Sidmouth's Waitrose store are moving forward with arrangements for land to be sold to the company, writes Andrew Coley.East Devon District Council has published a notice that it intends to dispose of some land near the Stowford Rise store, which would pave the way for the expansion plans.They would see the link to the A3052 moved towards Sidmouth Garden Centre, which would release land that would allow Waitrose to expand its car park to 188 spaces, create a new access, and extend the store itself.The plans have the support of Sidmouth Town Council and in his comments, made in November last year, Nigel Harrison, EDDC's economic development officer, also supported the plan.He said: "The substantial investment proposed is designed to sustain this important local business as it responds to the immediate and foreseeable challenges in the market for quality convenience goods in Sidmouth and its hinterland."The plans have a "resolution for consent", which means they will be cleared, subject to a series of conditions, which includesacquiring the land, for an undisclosed sum.A spokesman for EDDC said: "Waitrose propose to extend their Stowford store and the additional land will allow them to move the highway so that their current car park may be extended to the west. This in turn will allow the store to be extended out on to part of the existing car park."The public notice is serving notice of the intended transfer of the land to the store.