Critics slam Hadleigh superstore scheme as a ‘done deal’

The supermarket firm wants to demolish its current London Road store and build a 40 per cent larger building in its place.

The plans will see Morrisons expand into the neighbouring site formerly occupied by Lookers’ car showroom and will be considered later this month by Castle Point Council’s planning committee.

It has been widely publicised as part of the council-led redevelopment of Hadleigh town centre and some residents have complained it has given the impression the new superstore is a certainty.

Speaking at a Hadleigh neighbourhood meeting, David Hurrell, of Willow Walk, said: “The council seems to have got into bed with Morrisons over the Lookers’ site and it’s confused the public.

“The average punter has assumed Morrisons is a done deal.

“I just think it has slanted the planning issue in Morrisons’ favour.”

A map of the town on display at the council’s Regeneration Shop, entitled a Vision For Hadleigh, shows the expanded Morrisons store among ten possible projects to transform the town.

Meanwhile, senior councillors have, in the past, stated they are relying on section 106 money from the Morrisons store to help finance the plans for Hadleigh.

Bill Sharp, Castle Point Councillor for St James’ Ward, Hadleigh, was also concerned about the supermarket chain’s relationship to the regeneration proposals.

He said: “Are we building the regeneration around Morrisons?

“Are we giving away, without questioning, a third of the whole regeneration area?”

Mark Evershed, delivery manager of the council-led Castle Point Regeneration Partnership, said: “Given the rows I have had with Morrisons, it’s totally the wrong pretext to suggest we have been in bed with them.

“We’ve known all along if this decision goes to a planning appeal, Morrisons would have a strong case.

“I believe we’ve got the best deal we can out of them given that backdrop.”

The planning application will be considered on Tuesday, March 22.