THERE has been a mixed reaction to the news that plans for two multi-million pound superstores for Teesside have been rejected by the Government.
The schemes for the Tesco and Asda stores in Canon Park and at Middlehaven, Middlesbrough, were refused by the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott on Friday.
The former leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, David Walsh, welcomed the news.
He said: "Asda should sit down with Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Regeneration to see how the land can be used as part of the wider Middlehaven proposals."
Councillor George Dunning, Labour group leader, said: "While wishing every success to the regeneration of the Middlehaven site, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott is correct to reject the Asda super- store proposals for the site.
"This proposal would have a detrimental effect on the town centre and a devastating effect on South Bank."
But the chairman of Middlesbrough Council's planning committee, Councillor John McPartland, disagreed with the outcome.
He said: "I cannot understand why this dreadful decision has been reached and I eagerly await the reasoning behind it."
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