A CONTROVERSIAL planning battle between two rival supermarket giants has been resolved in a Devon town with Tesco emerging as the victor.

The firm received the go-ahead following a marathon four-hour meeting of the development management committee of East Devon District Council at Seaton.

Yesterday’s  decision came despite major opposition from residents who favoured an application from Sainsbury’s.

However, it was resolved by planners that preference would be shown to Tesco as it could most quickly press ahead with its plans.

Tesco owns the site in question and among a long list of planning conditions it has agreed to pay £1.7m towards providing a Jurassic Coast visitor centre — included in the Seaton regeneration scheme set out by the district council.

Sainsbury does not own its proposed site on the Harbour Road car park which is outside the town’s development area, and this was a significant factor in the rejection of its plans.

More than 30 people, most of them in favour of Sainsbury’s, were given the chance to speak on the applications following a demonstration by about 200 people outside the town hall.

The meeting was told a survey had been carried out in the town which suggested local people were in favour of Sainsbury’s. Sandra Semple, chairman of Seaton Town Council, told  the committee: “You are here to do right for Seaton, not what is expedient for your officers.”

Fears were expressed that thousands of tonnes of landfill would be brought in by lories to elevate the Tesco site because it is on a flood plain. Representatives from nearby Axmouth said they were alarmed lorries would be continually trundling through their village, pointing out that a large number of historic building would be put at risk of damage from vibration.

But planning members dismissed the concerns and Cllr Ann Liverton said: “I go with the recommendations. Tesco is ready to go.”