Our Previous 2009, 2010, 2011 Objections to Tesco’s Proposal
What we would like to see in Ashtead
We all agree that the unsightly old Esso site needs developing as soon as possible and that Ashtead Village needs a thriving retail environment.
Former Esso Site
Given that Tesco already owns the land, we would like to suggest something we believe is more appropriate:
- A store more akin in size and scale with the rest of The Street.
- The store need only have a front entrance (from The Street), to encourage shopping in other shops.
- On-site parking, with no change to the existing car parking arrangements in Ashtead.
Quentin Armitage (SAVE Spokesperson), Chris Grayling, MP for Epsom & Ewell and Gillian Russell (SAVE Spokesperson)
This solution, as supported by Chris Grayling M.P., would mean that the car park would not need to be extended nor raised, no trees would be felled, and there would be no problems involved in moving the long term car parking to Grove Road.
This would also leave sufficient room for parking for the rest of Ashtead, including the Peace Memorial Hall users. This solution would enhance and support the existing retail environment, as overall has occurred at Craddocks Parade, as opposed to Tesco’s proposal that would significantly detract from the viability and vitality of The Street.
This proposal would also not result in major traffic congestion especially at the Woodfield Lane/The Street(A24) junction.
We would very much welcome your thoughts, ideas and comments on our proposal. So no matter if you are for or against this, please let us know and leave a comment below.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I disagree, Patrick. It is designed to encourage people to do their entire week’s shopping in Tesco. They don’t care about the businesses on The Street or whether people shop there. It’s all about getting more money in the Tesco till.
I would like to see in Ashtead a variety of small shops such as we used to have ie DIY, Hardware, Pet Shop, Haberdashery, Shoe Shop, Toy Shop, even a snack/coffe shop would help with attracting people into Ashtead. We do not need Tesco in Ashtead, we have Alldays for our top-up grocery needs.
I believe Palmers, Munchies and Watsons cover the snack/coffee shop aspect of The Street rather well.
Why did the DIY, Hardware, Pet Shop, Haberdashery, Shoe Shop and Toy Shop leave The Street? People do not close thriving businesses, they sell the good will to a new owner and the shop goes on.
The proposed Supermarket is not a “top up store”. It is a proper Supermarket, designed to encourage people to do their entire week’s shopping in The Street.
DONT build tesco and make it into a car park with no charge!!!!!
I don’t think it necessary to suggest that this proposal was first suggested by Chris Grayling. I would claim that I was the first to suggest that solution, but maybe not in public. I remember when Ashtead had 2 supermarkets (CoOp and FineFair, I believe) and was a thriving retail centre with 2 hardware shops (Astridges and Ashtead DIY). Since the idea of a supermarket was first raised I’ve been saying to everyone with an interest that I met that a supermarket would be a good thing PROVIDING it doesn’t have direct access to the car park.