View of the proposed new Tesco store
By Amie Keeley
Saturday, June 9, 2012
2:00 PM
PLANS for a new Tesco store have been recommended for approval by planning officers in Colchester.
The application consists of a supermarket, six small retail sites and 14 houses on the former garrison land in Butt Road.
Tesco say the development will create 90 new jobs but local councillors and the town’s MP, Sir Bob Russell, have raised objections over the potential traffic problems blocking access to nearby doctor’s surgeries, police station and the garrison.
They also object to the size of the store, which would cover 1,328sqm instead of the initial plan for 1,000sqm as originally set out by Colchester Borough Council.
“The council’s original master plan for this area, which took on board public feedback and was voted for, includes a neighbourhood shopping centre which I do not object to,” said Sir Bob.
“But I believe this master plan is being ignored. The size of the store is larger than originally set out and the designs for the housing are not in keeping with the history of the area.
“Colchester Borough Council should be saying to Tesco ‘this is the master plan and you can’t come along and it can’t be changed.’ What has been agreed by full council must be what goes ahead.”
However, some letters of support have also been received by the council from residents who believe the proposals will regenerate the area and provide more accessible shopping outlets.
A spokesman from Tesco said: “The recommendation from the council’s planning officers is great news for all those local residents who have been telling us they want a place close to home to do their weekly food shopping.
“We have had lots of support throughout the consultation period and are confident that the proposals will bring significant benefits to local neighbourhood. We now look forward to councillors taking a final decision on our plans.”
Colchester Borough Council’s planning committee will vote on the application next Thursday at the Town Hall.
Source: www.eadt.co.uk
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