Council backing for Calne Tesco (From This Is Wiltshire)

Town councillors have backed plans for a new Tesco supermarket at the junction of Oxford Road and Beversbrook Road in Calne.

The store, to measure 2,851 square metres, would include fresh meat and fish counters and would sell some clothing and household items, if approved by Wiltshire Council.

It would also provide 314 parking spaces free for up to three hours, a community hub and a mural on the north eastern corner of the store.

Although Calne already has Sainsbury’s and Co-operative stores, councillors meeting last week were keen that shoppers should have more choice.

Coun Alan Hill said: “There are considerable advantages that such a store would bring to our town.

“I’m aware that many other towns have opposed development of this nature because they’re frightened that a development might adversely affect businesses.

“And I’m aware the Chamber of Commerce and other retail businesses have been approached with a view to their opinion and I believe that very few of them have raised concerns.”

Opponents to the plan included Peter Knight, from the Calne Environmental Network, who said he was worried the store would have a negative effect on smaller businesses.

He said: “Councillors have a responsibility to see the bigger picture. The thing is, we don’t really need it.”