TESCO will not have to assess the impact of their proposed new Scarborough superstore on surrounding residents and the environment before submitting a planning application.

It has emerged that Scarborough Council, who stand to make £10 million from the sale of the land off Dean Road, has told the supermarket giant they will not have to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Under law, an Environmental Impact Assessment is required for major developments which “are likely to give rise to significant environmental effects”.

During the process, information is collated and assessed before a decision is reached on whether a project should go ahead.

It is up to the council to decide whether a development of the type Tesco are proposing would fit the criteria that would require an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Scarborough and District Civic Society argued strongly that an assessment should have been completed, citing the proposed store’s size, design, proximity to listed buildings and residential areas and its potential to increase traffic and noise.

Read more at Scarborough Evening News