Tesco prevented from opening optical outlet

Optical practitioners in Great Dunmow, Essex have welcomed a planning decision to grant supermarket Tesco permission to expand its store on condition that it does not open an optical outlet or offer any other services that may harm local businesses.

Optician learnt this week that the majority of councillors from Uttlesford District Council supported the store's plans to expand by up to 50 per cent as long there were safeguards to ensure the superstore did not use the extra space to open an optical practice, pharmacy, post office, dry cleaners or a salon.

Michael Ovenden, planning control manager at Uttlesford District Council, said: 'The council's planning committee considered it appropriate to apply such a condition to protect the vitality of the town. With the condition in place the extension to the Dunmow Tesco store was not considered to challenge the vitality of the existing shopping area,' he said.