Bridgwater Tesco: Council to debate store proposals
Planners are due to decide this week if a new Tesco store on land in Bridgwater can be built.
The supermarket giant wants to build on the site of the former Sedgemoor Splash swimming pool at Northgate.
The proposal would include part of the neighbouring Brewery Fields but campaigners have applied to have that designated as a town green.
If granted the land would be protected in law from development or any activity which would cause material harm to it.
A public inquiry on 19 February will hear evidence and an inspector will later make a recommendation on whether the land qualifies for town green status.
The inspector's report will be placed before a meeting of Somerset County Council's Regulation Committee, which will then decide whether to accept the recommendation.
Under Tesco's plans, the remainder of Brewery Fields would be turned into a recreational area which would include a playground for children.
A spokesman said it was "very pleased" by the number of people who have supported their proposals.
"Our development offers significant investment for Bridgwater including an improved shopping choice and the creation of hundreds of new jobs for the local area," he added.
But last month up to 100 people expressed their "anger and frustration" at a public meeting in the town.
Those attending said they feared the store will destroy the town centre trade,
The meeting of Sedgemoor District Council's Development Committee takes place on Tuesday at 09:30 GMT.