Baschurch divided over plans for new store

Controversial plans for a new convenience store in Baschurch have divided public opinion as about 100 people packed into the village hall to have their say at a heated meeting.

Fears were raised that a new shop in the village could spark a rise in anti-social behaviour, noise and traffic problems. It is also claimed it could hit existing firms like the village shop, farm shop, hardware shop, post office and pubs.

But supporters said young unemployed people, the elderly and disabled could all benefit from having a new shop near Newtown Garage in the heart of the village.

Residents were told at last night's meeting that Spar is behind the plans and that applicants Lancroft Developments Ltd insist it would create 24 jobs – a claim challenged during the debate.

Members of Baschurch Parish Council objected to the plans by a single vote. Their decision, together with a petition now signed by 776 people in and around Baschurch, means the application is set to be decided by Shropshire Council's north planning committee.

Fish and chip shop owner Charles Lloyd said: "I'm not in favour of a new shop but I can understand why it has been proposed because unfortunately the convenience shop in the village has not kept up with the times."

Steve Boulding, of nearby Stanwardine, said: "The business plan for the proposed store is clearly based on closing down the competition. The sudden availability of large quantities of very cheap booze in Baschurch will also lead to serious anti-social behaviour problems – it's no use pretending it won't happen."

William Onions, an agent speaking on behalf of the applicants, said: "They're your children, you control them." He added the store would not create noise problems and said the figure of 24 jobs was accurate.

Villagers and parish councillors were split with a show of hands revealing only about 10 members of the public present supported the scheme.

Councillor Roy Roberts, Baschurch Parish Council chairman, said there had been no big retail planning applications in Baschurch for about 30 years.

He said: "I think the status quo is fine." Fears were raised that a new shop in the village could spark a rise in anti-social behaviour, noise and traffic problems. It is also claimed it could hit existing firms like the village shop, farm shop, hardware shop, post office and pubs.

But supporters said young unemployed people, the elderly and disabled could all benefit from having a new shop near Newtown Garage in the heart of the village.

Residents were told at last night's meeting that Spar is behind the plans and that applicants Lancroft Developments Ltd insist it would create 24 jobs – a claim challenged during the debate.

Members of Baschurch Parish Council objected to the plans by a single vote. Their decision, together with a petition now signed by 776 people in and around Baschurch, means the application is set to be decided by Shropshire Council's north planning committee.

Fish and chip shop owner Charles Lloyd said: "I'm not in favour of a new shop but I can understand why it has been proposed because unfortunately the convenience shop in the village has not kept up with the times."

Steve Boulding, of nearby Stanwardine, said: "The business plan for the proposed store is clearly based on closing down the competition. The sudden availability of large quantities of very cheap booze in Baschurch will also lead to serious anti-social behaviour problems – it's no use pretending it won't happen."

William Onions, an agent speaking on behalf of the applicants, said: "They're your children, you control them." He added the store would not create noise problems and said the figure of 24 jobs was accurate.

Villagers and parish councillors were split with a show of hands revealing only about 10 members of the public present supported the scheme.

Councillor Roy Roberts, Baschurch Parish Council chairman, said there had been no big retail planning applications in Baschurch for about 30 years.

He said: "I think the status quo is fine."