COMMUNITY leaders have cast doubt on proposals for a multi-million pound Tesco superstore at Felixstowe - claiming the development is “inappropriate at this time”.

Richard Cornwell

COMMUNITY leaders have cast doubt on proposals for a multi-million pound Tesco superstore at Felixstowe - claiming the development is “inappropriate at this time”.

Town councillors have given Suffolk Coastal a long list of issues they want investigated before it should even be considered.

Their biggest worry is the scheme has come forward before future plans for new housing, industry and the regeneration of the seaside resort have been finalised, with landowners Trinity College, Cambridge, jumping the gun.

Because of the widespread impact on the area, they say the development is “inappropriate” at present.

Trinity is preparing to submit plans for a 60,000 sq ft store on a field north of Walton High Road.

The development will also include 250 houses, including sheltered homes for the elderly, a 60-bed hotel, pub, private medical facility, three small shops and three small business units.

There would also be a new road through the site linking High Road and Candlet Road, the Walton by-pass off the A14.

The town council says analysts need to look at the impact Tesco would have on Walton High Street's shops, the town centre and port workers' shopping patterns, particularly at lunchtimes.

“Significant sums in mitigation could be required because of the significant threat to Walton High Street and the town centre,” said the town council.

It wants air quality and noise examined, the store sited away from houses, a new home for Felixstowe Rifle Club, and a full survey of transport issues, including the possibility of a flyover at the A14 dock spur roundabout to separate port and town-bound traffic, and questions the need for a private medical centre.

Tesco says the store would create jobs, attract people to the town and provide residents with an opportunity to carry out their shopping locally.