SUPERMARKET giant Tesco could go back to the drawing board on one of Buckinghamshire's most controversial developments.

The company, which was granted permission for a 35,000 sq metre store in Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, has until June to start significant construction.

Under planning law, applicants granted permission for developments have to begin building within five years of being given the green light or face having to re-apply. Some site clearance has started. Tesco has just five months left to begin bridge work over the railway cutting but it has not begun.

A spokesman for South Bucks District Council said: "Site work was meant to start in the third week in January but that does not mean they are covered by planning permission.

"We agreed with them what would constitute the start of work and that was the construction of the bridge over the railway. Until the bridge is in place, or work has started on the bridge, we will not consider building work to have started."

The supermarket giant has resubmitted plans in case it is unable to complete the work in time and a company spokesman said Tesco remained committed to the site.

Approval for the store was granted only after a public inquiry overturning the council's earlier refusal.

Alan Moore, chairman of Gerrards Cross Parish Council, has been one of those opposing the scheme.

He said: "I think it is quite possible they can do enough to put up a very good case to say 'yes we have made a start'. They have submitted these new applications just in case they cannot complete it by the date."

The development consultants working for Tesco were unavailable to comment.

But a spokesman for the supermarket said: "We have been told the start that we have done is acceptable. Most of it is a done deal."

South Bucks District Council said the recently lodged plans were not likely to be considered until March.

January 23, 2003 10:30