BATTLE lines were drawn up on Tuesday as East Hampshire District Council planners prepared to defend their decision to turn down Tesco's bid for a 6,122-square metre superstore at Mill Lane in Alton.

Having set the scene for a five-day public inquiry, sparked by an appeal by Tesco against EHDC's decision, government inspector David Hollis outlined the issues, citing the size and out-of-town nature of the proposed superstore; reliance on the car and the impact of increased traffic on the highway network.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.