'Horrendous' new Tesco to face backlash

Published on Monday 14 July 2008 10:20

DOZENS of local people and traders are expected to object to Tesco's plans for a "horrendous" new superstore in the Lothians.

The supermarket giant submitted detailed plans to East Lothian Council for its proposed store and petrol station at Gateside East, on the outskirts of Haddington.

The joint planning application features a 50,000 square foot store with a mezzanine floor containing staff facilities and toilets.

But shopkeepers say closing the smaller Tesco in the town centre will leave it like a "ghost town".

John Main, the chairman of Haddington Business Association, described the size of the new store as "horrendous".

It would include a 24-hour filling station with four fuel pumps, a kiosk and forecourt canopy, separate car wash and jet wash facilities.

Tesco has so far refused to reveal the proposed opening hours for the supermarket, which would boast 29 checkouts.

Sainsbury's has also lodged rival plans for a 35,000 sq ft superstore at nearby Gateside West.