27th November 2017

By Graham Smith

The Tesco supermarket at Wadebridge could start selling petrol and diesel next year, if a planning application currently before Cornwall Council is successful.

The company is seeking permission to install four pumps at the entrance to its car park, off West Hill.  Permission for a petrol station was granted in 2011 but lapsed when Tesco failed to pursue the project in time.

The new bid would result in a cashless pay-at-pump station.  There are relatively few fuel retailers in the Wadebridge area and many motorists hope a big supermarket like Tesco will offer discounted prices.  The council hopes to make a decision in January.

The application makes no mention of any charging points for electric vehicles.  A new Aldi supermarket is nearing completion immediately opposite the Tesco site.

The Tesco supermarket at Wadebridge and the proposed cashless pay-at-the-pump installation

The development would mean the loss of some car parking space, and so far the only public comments recorded on the council’s website reflect concern that traffic might queue along the slip road, leading to congestion on West Hill itself.