Tesco Express to be centrepiece of Hadley regeneration

A new Tesco Express food store will be the centrepiece of the first phase of the regeneration in Hadley – and be the supermarket giant's fifth Telford store.

Telford & Wrekin Council has submitted two planning applications for £2.3m of works to Hadley centre. One is a detailed application for a mixed use commercial development, and the other is an outline application for 24 houses. If permission is granted, demolition should start in early summer next year.

Councillor Malcolm Smith, the chairman of Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council, said: "The parish council is very pleased that detailed plans have now been submitted and looks forward to seeing this much needed regeneration begin in 2012.

"We will continue to work in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council to see this project delivered."

Funding has been approved for the first phase of the regeneration, which will include the demolition of some shops and maisonettes to be replaced by six new shops and a Tesco Express food store.

Phase two, which is subject to funding, will include three more mixed use units and 24 homes.

The shops and businesses in the area covered by phase two of the regeneration – a charity shop, pharmacy, veterinary practice, Wrekin Housing Trust office, martial arts centre and Post Office – will continue to trade as usual while phase one is completed.

Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for borough towns development and policy, said: "This is an exciting development for people living in Hadley and is a much-needed regeneration scheme.

"As always, we will be carrying out a thorough consultation as part of the planning process.

"If it all goes ahead, further plans as part of the scheme include enhanced parking arrangements and much improved public areas that can be enjoyed by residents."

If outline planning permission is granted, the land earmarked for housing will be sold off to a developer.

The council is also talking to traders at the weekly market to make sure they can continue to operate successfully.

Tesco already has stores at Wrekin Retail Park, the Forge Retail Park, Madeley and Haygate Road in Wellington.

The planning application is due to be determined by February 6.