A COUNCIL could yet make a shock U-turn on its decision to back down to Tesco in Bourne End.

Wycombe District Council said last week it would not challenge the retail giant over a proposed new store, despite members wanting to refuse it.

But on February 28, the full council will be asked to vote on whether the regulatory and appeals committee should review that decision.

There was controversy on February 8 when a stand-in chairman for the committee voted twice for a motion to effectively pave the way for Tesco. This is allowed under council rules (see link below).

There was also anger from village traders, who fear Tesco could put them out of business, that some committee members did not attend the meeting.

Half the members who attended, along with officers, thought the council would be likely to lose to Tesco in a costly planning inquiry.

In the event of a review, the committee would be asked “to take into account any further evidence that may arise by that time”, the council said.

Spokesman Catherine Spalton said this is thought to relate to the impact on other shops.

She added: “Should full council pass the motion and refer the matter back to the regulatory and appeal committee, this will need to be heard at a special meeting of the regulatory and appeals committee not yet arranged.

"If this were to happen then the council's stance at the forthcoming public inquiry could change.”

Tesco has appealed to the planning inspectorate over the non-determination of its application. But the appeal is expected to be withdrawn if an identical plan is approved by the council.

The new plan, to demolish the old police station on The Parade to make way for the Express store, was received at the council offices on Tuesday.

A date in May has been set for a planning inquiry to start, but the hearing will not be needed if the council approves the new application.

However, if regulatory and appeals committee changes its decision this would prompt a fightback from the council.