TWO supermarket rivals met head-on at a public inquiry into Tesco’s plan for a new Huddersfield store.
The controversial proposal to build a new Tesco store on Southgate was “called in” by the Government for a public inquiry after it was given the go-ahead by Kirklees Council earlier this year.
Government inspector Robert Mellor has been hearing evidence at the Hudawi Centre this week amid concerns over a lack of public notice about the hearing.
Yesterday, supermarket giant Asda took to the stand to explain its objections to the plan.
The retailer – which is also planning a major development on the Broadbent's site on Queensgate – raised concerns about the location of the proposed Tesco site and said its own plan offered a better location.
Asda representative Richard Serra, director of Savilles property consultants, said: “Taking into account all the considerations, the Tesco scheme is less well connected than the Asda scheme in my view.
“It is about the connective relationship to the town centre. Distance is only a part of that.
“There is also the perception of walking, road crossings, slopes and barriers.
“The level changes are one example. The front door of the Asda proposal will be level with the Kingsgate centre. With the Tesco proposal, once you’ve crossed the busy road, it is uphill to the shopping centre, making it hard for a disabled person.
