Councillors in B&NES have been told that a compromise has been reached so that the two stages of development of the old Radco site won't have to wait until the completion of one to start the second.

The latest agreement is that work can start on phase two - the car park development - once 'piling' has started on the first stage of the development.

This means that the work across the whole site can be fast tracked...something welcomed by everyone at the virtual planning meeting.

The Mayor of Radstock told the committee that they as a town council totally supported the Radstock Co-operative, which councillors learnt manages a total of 22 branches. He told them: " We want to support them in their work. Technically although it is situated in Westfield, it is an important part of Radstock. I would just like to emphasis that the council supports a good outcome for Radco."

Jonathan Orton the agent representing the development stressed the heritage of Radstock Co-operative. He said : " It represents 150 years of success in Radstock - an organisation that is hopefully committed to another 150 years. There is a real urgency for us to get on with this. " He added : " While I understand some concerns from people about walking away from the commitment with work not completed, that is not going to happen. The financial commitment at piling stage would be massive.. we are talking about several million pounds of costs at the piling stage. So we are going to go forward."

Cllr Eleanor Jackson told the planning committee. " The question I get asked most is at the bus stop is ...when are they going to get on with demolishing that building ?

"The most important thing (you can do) is to agree this amendment so that the demolition of that horrible 1959 building can go ahead next month."

Cllr Jackson also stressed the importance of employment locally tied up to the development going ahead.

"Radco employs about 180 staff. We simply cannot afford to (potentially risk) losing these jobs (with any delay). She added that the new plans included six new shops, which may offer further local job opportunities.

There was a unanimously vote at the meeting (October 21) to ' Delegate to Permit' meaning an acceptance of the planning officer's recommendation that stage two could go ahead without needing to complete the stage one building work.