Tesco’s third Tenbury Wells application sparks referendum call
Friday 22nd July 2011, 1:43PM BST.
Fresh plans for a multi-million pound Tesco superstore in Tenbury Wells, which could create 150 jobs, have sparked calls for a referendum among angry campaigners.
Tesco today revealed an artist’s impression of what the new store at the former cattle market would look like.
But campaigners opposed to the supermarket giant are calling for an official referendum on the controversial plan, which is Tesco’s third attempt to enter the town after being turned down twice last year.
The latest application, which is on show at the town council offices and library, includes a glass and timber 15,000 square feet store, 100-space car park, new trees and a riverside walk. The old infirmary building would be demolished, with commemorative plaques left in its place.
Company bosses said they had refined the design to reflect the character of the town.
Sophie Akokhia, Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, said: “We are very proud of our latest proposals, which are totally unique to Tenbury Wells and set a new standard for store design. We continue to be encouraged by the messages of support from local residents who believe more people will shop in the town if a Tesco and free car park is developed.”
But Richard Norman, whose Tenbury Futures group has produced alternative drawings for the site, called on council chiefs to hold a referendum to see if there was public demand for a supermarket.
Mr Norman said: “They have made almost no changes whatsoever and it looks just as big.” Tesco hopes to open the store by Christmas next year.
Meanwhile Tesco has rejected claims by its own consultants that plans to extend its Extra store in Shrewsbury would result in £2.7 million trade being lost from the town centre each year.
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I think Tesco pulled out the first time as they could see the writing on the wall and were then firmly rejected the second time by 7 Malvern Hills Clrs to 4.
You’re right though. This had re-ignited strong passions in the town both for and [very much] against a superstore on the town’s cattle market site.
Tenbury Futures, a proactive group of concerned local residents and local highstreet traders have researched and put forward an alternate plan for the site that is community driven. The model is similar to a growing number of community projects such as the successful community trust that re-developed and now manages the old swimming pool site at Dinham Weir at Ludlow as well as the Shrewsbury Hydro group to name but two.
In Feb 2011 after the Tesco rejection Tenbury Futures set about polling the local community in Tenbury and surrounds. After a month of collecting response sheets, the clear conclusion was that out of 300+ collected sheets that well over 200 wanted a re-use of existing buildings on the site along with a community-driven sustainable development project that would boost the town’s tourism draw. The group then set about drawing-up their ‘PLAN B’ for the site which commences with a grant-funded feasibility study which will then dictate the progress of the other planned elements.
For more information on the Tenbury Futures community organisation please see the following link:
http://tenbury-futures.blogspot.com
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