A public inquiry into 3DReid’s proposed Tesco supermarket in Margate has been postponed.

The inquiry was due to start this week but has been delayed by the Planning Inspectorate because of potential procedural errors.

An inquiry became necessary after Thanet District Council failed to determine a planning application from developer Freshwater within the statutory 13-week period.

Thanet councillors have since voted to back the plans, indicating that they would have granted permission for the project.

A group of Margate residents are opposed to the store, proposed to sit next to the Dreamland amusement park, and are challenging the plans’ compliance with environmental law.

Freshwater wants to develop a 7,500sq m Tesco store and make external alterations to Arlington House, a 1960s tower block which dominates the Margate skyline.

The developer could face a further stumbling block if English Heritage recommends that Arlington House should be listed. A decision is expected shortly.