THE Government will not stage a public inquiry over a controversial decision to approve plans for a supermarket on a Ryedale car park.

Ryedale District Council gave the go-ahead for the Wentworth Street car park scheme in Malton earlier this year, and Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has today confirmed it will not be called in.

Part of the council-owned site will be sold to Leeds-based GMI Holbeck, allowing the store, a petrol station and offices to be built, despite fierce protests from local traders backed by broadcaster Selina Scott and a petition opposing the plans signed by more than 2,000 people.

Explaining his reasoning, Mr Pickles said call-in powers should be used “very selectively” and decisions should be made “at the local level wherever possible”. He said the Wentworth Street plans did not conflict with national planning policy or have “significant effects beyond their immediate locality”, and there was not “sufficient reason” for the Government to intervene.

The council had previously ruled that if the application was not called in, final planning permission could be granted, which will happen once “outstanding matters of detail” are dealt with.

Coun John Raper, who chairs the authority’s planning committee, said: “Following a detailed assessment by the Secretary of State, this announcement justifies the decision and approach taken by the council as the local planning authority.”