Tesco has scrapped controversial plans for a new store in Margate in the latest move in its retreat from the large-store format.
The decision to terminate its contract to develop the 82,000sq ft store is the latest in a series of developer-led schemes that have been hit by its decision to rethink its strategy.
Tesco has written to developer Freshwater Developments to terminate its contract, despite having fought a long battle to win permission for the site.
Last year the development was approved by communities’ secretary Eric Pickles, despite fierce local opposition. A judicial review was pending to rule on whether planning permission for the scheme was properly considered ahead of that approval.
The Margate retreat comes after Tesco mothballed two new supermarkets in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, and Immingham, Lincolnshire, in recent weeks.
“As we’ve previously announced, we are reducing the number of large stores we open each year as a result of changing customer shopping habits,” said a Tesco spokesman.
“After careful consideration we have therefore decided not to pursue a new large store in Margate. We’d like to thank everyone who supported our plans and will continue to serve the local community through our other stores in the town and our online grocery shopping service.”
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