Tesco Appeals Rejected
I was very pleased to learn this week that the Planning Inspectorate decided to reject Tesco’s appeal for an extension.
It is a rare victory for local democracy, and a lesson to those - notably Conservative City Councillor Chris Howell - who are of the opinion that planning decisions should be taken by officers alone, without any democratic involvement in the process. If this had been the case Tesco would have set up shop a year ago.
The grounds for the Inspectorate’s decision were exclusively transport related, focusing on the inadequacy of the existing infrastructure to any of Tesco’s proposed delivery systems, explaining that these would “pose unacceptable risks to highway safety”. I made this point repeatedly at the appeal, as did numerous other campaigners, including Nichola Harrison of Petersfield, so I am not surprised at the decision.
It is a relief that Mill Road’s traffic problems are not going to be worsened, and small independent retailers can breathe a sigh of relief too. I am already working hard on a plan that would not only conserve but enhance the independent nature of Mill Road’s shops.
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