Amy GrayA proposed Tesco supermarket in a Suffolk town would put independent shops and food producers out of business, it was claimed at a public inquiry yesterday.Amy Gray

A proposed Tesco supermarket in a Suffolk town would put independent shops and food producers out of business, it was claimed at a public inquiry yesterday.

The inquiry into plans for a new Tesco store, off Angel Link in Halesworth, continued at the Orbis Centre, Lowestoft.

Prof Sir Patrick Bateson, chairman of the Save Halesworth group against the Tesco proposal, said local producers would suffer 'adverse effects' if the store went ahead.

He said a map illustrated the close proximity of producers and shops that contribute to the Halesworth economy.

'The map is very telling, it tells us that if those independent shops die, a lot of surroundings farms would die,' said Prof Bateson, emeritus professor of ethology at Cambridge University. 'There is evidence that indicates that is what happens.'

He said there was currently a 'reasonable relationship' between the existing Co-op Rainbow supermarket and independent traders.

But Patrick Clarkson QC, for Tesco, said: 'Where do Co-op buy their bananas from?

'In a modern economy it simply does not work to pretend that we all buy potatoes grown three miles away. It's a national economy, inevitably purchases are some local, some further afield, and some from overseas.'

Andrew Jones, secretary and treasurer for Save Halesworth, said the town did not need a second supermarket.

'We are not deaf to the voices of those who want the Tesco,' said Dr Jones.

'What we are suggesting is quite clear, that the choice is the right level of choice for a town of our size.

'As I have argued from the start, if we don't bring people in for food shopping then there is a knock-on effect.'

In response, Mr Clarkson said the supermarket would help bring in more shoppers, who would then visit the main part of town.

David Cannon, also speaking for Save Halesworth, said the proposed loading bay for articulated lorries, which can only be reached via the customer car park, was a safety risk for shoppers.

Kirit Makwana, of the Transport Planning Associates highway consultants for Tesco, said that the lorries and cars would be able to pass each other safely in the car park and areas could be coned off if necessary.

Anglia Regional Co-op submitted plans to Waveney District Council in February, 2009 for an extension to its Rainbow store in Saxons Way.

This was followed by Tesco's application but both supermarkets lodged appeals with the Planning Inspectorate against Waveney when a decision was not made within 13 weeks - although the Co-op has since withdrawn its appeal and Waveney will decide on a fresh application.

The independent inspector, Andrew Pykett, is expected to reach a decision seven weeks after the end of the inquiry, which continues today.