A controversial Tesco store development in East London is set to go to a public inquiry after more than two years of protests.
The multiple's plans for a 54,000sq ft mixed-use development, comprising a supermarket and 78 flats in the Highams Park area, were blocked earlier this year by Communities and Local Government secretary Ruth Kelly in light of opposition from locals.
However, the case is deemed to have more far reaching importance than the impact it will have locally. In a letter to Waltham Forest council, Kelly's director of planning Andrew Melville said that the decision to hold the inquiry was made because "planning issues of more than local importance are involved".
The inquiry has been scheduled for January 9 and could take up to six days.