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TweetDecember 2011
Tesco have just announced that they will be submitting a new Planning Application – their 3rd proposal – early in 2012.
The good news is that they have NOT found the extra 74 parking spaces needed to build their 2nd proposed store (750 sq. m.) that was passed at The Public Inquiry in July 2010 subject to this parking condition. This proves that SAVE (Save Ashtead’s Village Environment) and the ARA (Ashtead Residents’ Association) were right to oppose it on the grounds that it was still too large for the village.
I believe it is great news that Tesco has finally been forced to listen to many of our main concerns given that they are intent to build on the site. Their 3rd proposal is for a TESCO METRO Store. This would:
- Leave the Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall Car Park exactly as it is, with control maintained by Mole Valley District Council. This represents a MAJOR VICTORY for the village following the SAVE/ARA Car Parking Campaign earlier this year!
- Only a front entrance onto The Street. There would no longer be a back entrance directly onto the Car Park, which would have drawn shoppers away from the other village shops. SAVE’s concern has always been to support our local traders. Another MAJOR VICTORY
- A basket only store. No large, noisy trolleys outside the store, but small ones within it. Another MAJOR VICTORY!
However it is disappointing that Tesco are only reducing the overall size of the store by less than 10% of the size of proposal no. 2. It will be approx. 690 sq. m. (to be confirmed) which is two and three quarters the size of Tesco Express at Craddocks. There will still be 9 flats built above it although their parking spaces will be within the Tesco site.
Tesco argue that because it is a basket only store, the demand for parking will be considerably reduced compared to their 2nd proposal.
SAVE will be meeting with Tesco in January to see and discuss their plans in detail. We will be raising other important issues including sustainability, lorry access and the need for full, effective Public Consultation BEFORE they submit the application. Tesco are offering separate meetings with the ARA and the Councillors.
We will keep you informed of further developments.
Remember you can contact us and post your views on our web site.
This news will be announced in this week’s Leatherhead Advertiser.
With very best wishes,
Gillian Russell
Spokesperson for SAVE
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