Scottish Highlanders have rejected a new Tesco in Inverness

In recent years Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, has been dubbed by some as 'Tesco Town" - others call the area "Tulloch City". What is clear is both Tesco and local builders Tulloch effectively control retailing and development in the area.

There is no getting away from the fact that Tesco is the major retailer in Inverness. with a virtual monopoly In fact a recent survey found that 51p in every pound spent in the city goes into the company's tills. But today plans for another Tesco were sent packing - people power triumph.

Tesco wants to build a new store in the Holm residential area of Inverness. The grocery giant applied to build a District Shopping Centre, including a superstore, with smaller shop units, a petrol station, and a site for a hotel and doctors surgery, with car parking.

The supermarket giant has three stores in Inverness, but today plans for a fourth store were turned down by Highland Councillors.

Campaigners are calling the decision a victory for common sense but councillors say the decision has more to do with the proposed size of the project, not who is behind the plans. But the proposal was turned down by Highland Councillors today who backed a recommendation to refuse the plans.

Planners said the proposals were premature, as a nearby Trunk Road Link is not due to be completed for a number of years.

The plans for a fourth store prompted an outcry in some local quarters with claims the firm was dominating retail in the town.

Shane Scragg's shop is just down the road from the site where the new Tesco was planned. He collected more than 3,000 signatures against the plans.
A petition on the Tesco Town website illustrates the strength of local feeling.

Local campaigners have been fighting to restore sanity to the Highlands Council's flawed Planning strategy for the last few years.

Holm Community Council Chairman, Steve Rodger, who has been leading the campaign against the superstore said:

"The area needs sensible community facilities, local shops and a meeting place for community residents - not a huge super store".