I am a local resident who opposes the proposed new Tesco store. I’ve been looking at the documents on the Bradford Council website and note that there is something called a ‘Retail Consultation Response’, carried out by consultancy firm WYG, which is recommending that the renewal request is approved. I believe that WYG is acting on behalf of Bradford Council.

On the WYG website it states: “WYG has been working with Tesco for over 30 years and has made a considerable contribution to their development portfolio during this time. We are currently one of their framework consultants associated with their centre of excellence initiative.”

It made me wonder how WYG can give an unbiased assessment of the need for a Tesco store in Ilkley. Is this not a conflict of interest? I have read WYG’s Retail Consultation Response and there is much that I don’t understand, particularly the relevance of various policies and plans, but I would like to know why Bradford Council asked WYG to undertake the Bradford Retail & Leisure Study Update in May 2013.

A Retail and Leisure Study Report from 2008 on Bradford Council’s website lists the following threats: “Increased pressure from competing centres and out-of-centre retail destinations.” (The proposed Tesco site is out-of-centre) “Increased competition from supermarkets selling a wider range of non-food goods.” (The proposed Tesco seems to meet all the criteria!) I can’t see what’s changed between 2008 and today that means these threats are no longer applicable. I just hope Bradford Council takes the same view at the meeting today, Thursday.

Bev Plaxton, Wheatlands, Ilkley