CHANGES to the type of goods that can be sold at Endsleigh have been given the nod by a planning inspector - despite protests from local traders and the town council.

Endsleigh owners Wyevale Garden Centres had appealed a South Hams Council decision refusing permission to increase the sale of goods like shoes, clothing and alcohol not traditionally associated with garden centres.

And the recent decision by inspector Phillip Ware found in the company’s favour, with Mr Ware concluding that the increase in floorspace dedicated to the sale of these products would not have a ’significant effect’ on the ’main retail function’ of the garden centre.

But some locals disagree, saying the changes would create a de facto out of town shopping centre that would take yet more trade from Ivybridge shops. After a long battle the owner of Footnote shoe shop in the town, and new chairman of Ivybridge Chamber of Commerce Pat White was, however philosophical. She said: ‘It’s certainly not what was originally thought of – a garden centre that would complement the town’s shopping. But people should speak with their feet, by coming into Ivybridge and getting to know their local traders.

‘This a wonderful town, and customer service is second to none in Ivybridge.’

Pat and other Ivybridge traders have the backing of Ivybridge Town Council. At the last meeting of the full council, resident Janet Hooper said she was ‘dismayed’ and ‘surprised’ to hear that the appeal had been granted.

Town clerk Lesley Hughes said that the council had also been dismayed by the decision, in which, she said, it appeared local evidence had been ignored.

Councillors were particularly sceptical of a town centre health check document produced by the applicants, which suggested that Ivybridge was thriving.

Read more in tomorrow’s Ivybridge & South Brent Gazette