Tesco launches third bid to build new store in Coundon

[dutchman]

Tesco bosses have launched their third bid in a year to open a new shop in Coundon.



City councillors have refused both of the supermarket giant’s previous two applications to build a single-storey Tesco Express on the corner of Holyhead Road and Grayswood Avenue.

The latest application has reignited anger in neighbouring residents and traders.

Objectors say they are stunned Tesco has submitted another similar proposal on the site of a disused petrol station after already having applications rejected.

Richard Cross emailed the council to say: “It is somewhat frustrating that despite huge objection to the development at both local and political level, Tesco continues to re-submit without really addressing any of the issues that caused rejection in the first place.

“I would suggest that this is both a sign of Tesco’s arrogance and ignorance as to how strong the local community feels about this.”

Another objector wrote: “I thought this had been refused. We don’t want this, there are sufficient shops here already. This will destroy the local economy and end up closing the shops already in this area. Will Tesco just please go away.”

Tesco bosses want to build a 4,079 sq ft building on the land with spaces for 14 cars and six spaces for bikes. They believe it would create full and part-time jobs for up to 35 people.

If granted approval it would open every day from 7am-11pm.

The previous two applications - received in July and October last year - were turned down by the council due to design issues and highway safety fears.

Subsequent appeals to the planning inspectorate were also rejected. The proposed design has now been changed in response to concerns raised at appeal that the structure would not being in keeping with the area.

In the planning statement Paul Manning, of agent GL Hearn, representing Tesco, urged the council to grant the application saying it would regenerate a run-down area, create jobs and increase footfall in Coundon.

He said: “The application will make a significant contribution to the local catchment area surrounding Holyhead Road and the wider community in a number of ways.”

Nigel Smith, senior planning officer, has recommended the plan for refusal saying “it fails to take the opportunity to improve the character of the area or to satisfactorily address the prominent road junction. The overall impression is of a rather bland building.”

Councillors will vote on the application at a planning meeting on August 18.

[dutchman]

Controversial plans to build a new Tesco store in Coventry have been recommended for approval – despite being rejected by councillors twice before.

Bosses at the supermarket chain have submitted a third application to build a single-storey Tesco Express on the corner of Holyhead Road and Grayswood Avenue in Coundon.

Their two previous applications were thrown out by the planning committee despite being advised by officers to grant permission.

The latest proposal for the site of a former petrol station has re-ignited anger among nearby residents and traders.

Two petitions were submitted from Brooklands Residents Association by Coun Gary Ridley, one of which had 783 signatures, on the grounds it would have a detrimental impact on neighbouring traders, cause increased traffic congestion, danger to pedestrians and cyclists, and could attract anti-social behaviour due to the sale of alcohol at the store.

Coun Ridley (Con, Sherbourne) described the revised plans as “ugly” and said it failed to address the main issues raised by residents.

He said: “The plans have got worse all the way through – Holyhead Road is a major route to the city centre. We have the Olympics next year and the cash has been invested to improve the road . We don’t want to miss an opportunity for a high quality building on the site.

“It’s five times bigger than any of the existing shops and five lorries a day coming to the store to re-stock will cause massive traffic problems.

"The whole thing is too ambitious. The development is too big for the site and it would increase the volume of traffic. It’s so ugly and doesn’t fit in with the surrounding area – that’s part of the problem.

“I think Tesco are very determined and I don’t believe they will ever give in but as long as residents in the area oppose it we will keep making our issues known because Tesco haven’t listened to any of them.

“I’m very hopeful that when it goes to the planning committee they will make the same decision as previous occasions. I’m not anti-Tesco – they have done a good job in the regeneration of the Ricoh but they have to listen to the objections.”

Tesco bosses also want to build a car park with 14 spaces and six spaces for bikes. They believe the store would create jobs for up to 35 people. It would be open every day from 7am until 11pm.

Two letters of support were submitted to the planning committee stating the development would improve the existing “eyesore” and would not affect traders except for the two convenience stores.

Councillors will vote on the application at a planning meeting on Thursday.