Driffield town centre set for a bright future

CIVIC leaders have set in motion the multi-million pound rejuvenation of an East Yorkshire market town.

Derelict and run-down places in Driffield could soon be transformed into vibrant modern shopping and living areas.

Developers have been given a mandate to deliver on their promises at planning exhibitions to give the town a bright new future.

The green light was given to three major developments by East Riding Council's planning committee at County Hall in Beverley yesterday.

Plans for the redevelopment of the cattle market and Viking Centre sites, and a new Tesco, were deferred and delegated for approval subject to legal agreements being agreed.

Town mayor Councillor Steve Poessl said: "I am delighted that the Tesco and Viking Centre schemes have been supported by East Riding Council planners.

"Although I desperately want to see the old cattle market redeveloped because it is an eyesore, I am totally against a superstore on that site.

"East Riding Council's latest review of retail developments for Driffield says that a superstore on the cattle market would not be viable in the present economic climate."

Cllr Poessl added: "A third supermarket would have a devastating effect on out wonderful independent high street shops."

The cattle market scheme is a mixed development in the Eastgate South area of Driffield, including a superstore with car parking, shops, town centre services and community hall, 30 houses and 14 apartments.

Plans for the Viking Centre scheme in Middle Street North include an Aldi supermarket, retail units and new dwellings.

Tesco has the go-ahead to build a new, bigger supermarket on land that runs from George Street to Middle Street South, including the old Kwik Save store site.