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raymond.brown@cambridge-news.co.uk

TESCO is considering opening another store in Cambridge – the supermarket giant’s 15th in the city.

The former Dreams bed shop in East Road has been earmarked as a prime site for an Express store.

The latest proposed scheme would be less than one mile from the controversial store in Mill Road, which is set to open on August 26.

There has been furious opposition to the Mill Road shop, due to the street’s reputation for unique, independent retailers.

More than 5,000 people signed a petition against it, but some residents are in favour, saying Tesco will bring cheaper prices.

The No Mill Road Tesco Campaign this weekend held a demonstration at the site for the second Saturday in a row.

And Cambridge City Council is today (Monday, 17 August) set to decide on an alcohol licence for the store.

Beverley Carpenter, the No Mill Road Tesco Campaign co-ordinator, said: “It was quite a lively protest.

“We were protesting about the licensing application. We decorated the fence around the site with lager cans. We are hopeful the application will be turned down.”

She said while the group felt it was “really inappropriate” to have a Tesco store on Mill Road, it did not hold particular views on applications at other sites in the city.

Dreams, the bed linen and furniture store, has moved to the Beehive centre and held its grand opening this weekend.

Glen Deadman, assistant manager of Dreams, said: “I think it would be good if Tesco is moving to our old site.

There are so many students and people on that road that would use it. The road needs brightening up.”

London-based CgMs, which has been the planning agent for Tesco’s Mill Road store, is also overseeing applications to Cambridge City Council for the East Road venture.

Plans for “plant works to rear enclosed by 2m high hit and miss fence” at the site were approved earlier this year.

A Tesco spokeswoman said: “We are always on the lookout for possible new sites all over the country and are often in negotiations for suitable schemes for Express stores.

“However, these often never materialise and until an agreement is reached or an application made we would not comment on individual cases.”

Cambridge Evening News, 17th August 2009

We have been investigating rumours that Tesco are planning to open another Tesco Express store, this time on East Road, which would be their 15th store in the Cambridge area.

The bed shop there, Dreams, on East Road had a closing down sale at the weekend, and a shop-worker there commented that Tesco was apparently to be the new occupant.

• St Albans – We Won! 10 Reasons Why The Council Said No! (30th June 2008)
• Worcester – Thumbs down for Tesco plans (27th June 2008)
• Sunninghill – Tesco plans rejected / Tesco plan thrown out after 600 objections (12th June 2008)
• Poynton, Macclesfield – Tesco is no match for people power (5th March 2008) – only a few days after our own success!

In the Sunninghill case, the grounds for refusal appear to be very similar to our case in Cambridge, and the refusal withstood an Appeal

Tesco Plan refused [in Preston, Lancashire]

Traders and residents around the Lane Ends area of Ashton in Preston have expressed their relief that plans for a new convenience store have been rejected.

They had submitted a petition with 1,000 signatures and 317 letters of objection against the Tesco Convenience store planned for the site of the former HSS Lift and Shift base near Tulketh Mill.

Today council officers rejected the plan due to the insufficient parking provision and because it would have an “adverse impact on the vitality and viability of nearby local centres and retail provision” within the area.

Owner of Wilson’s Butchers and Delicatessen, Phillip Wilson, said: “I am very pleased that it’s not going ahead.

“Most of the customers and shops around here are pleased too.

“They all seem to be of the opinion that we don’t need a Tesco around here, we have all the shops we need already.”

He said residents of Parker Street where access to the store would have been were also very relieved.

Tesco has a right to appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and must do so within six months.

The Citizen, Preston, 25th January 2008

Tesco puts garage site up for sale

Supermarket chain Tesco has pulled out of plans to open its first store in Darlington.

Tesco yesterday admitted it had dropped proposals to build an Express shop on a former petrol station in the town’s North Road.

A spokesman revealed it had, instead, put the site up for sale.

Juliette Bishop, from Tesco, said: “We are disappointed that our planning application for the site on North Road has been unsuccessful.

“We remain convinced that our plans would benefit the local area, as well as regenerating a derelict site.

“However, after taking some time to consider our options, we have decided to no longer progress plans for this site.”

Councillors rejected the third set of plans for the former Shell garage on December 12.

Tesco had also appealed against the council’s previous refusal for the 107,000 sq ft store in the Harrowgate Hill area of the town.

Councillor Mark Burton, who represents Harrowgate Hill on Darlington Borough Council, had earlier this week contacted the company to ensure the site was tidied up as Tesco had promised last month.

He said: “I am very surprised.

Tesco generally fights tooth and nail.

“It would be nice to see it sold onto a housing developer for houses relatively the same as those in the area.”

Tesco bought the site for £500,000 last January, four months after an initial set of plans for a mini-supermarket were refused.

Coun Burton said: “I can see it being derelict for quite some time. That is the last thing people really want.”

Shell closed the petrol station in February 2005 and put the site up for sale.

The site was then plagued by anti-social behaviour until fencing was erected around it.

In August 2006, plans were unveiled for a 24-hour Tesco store and 130 apartments on the present town hall site.

The council later refused the plans after a petition with more than 10,000 names was handed in to the council.

Tesco’s only presence in Darlington is a One Stop shop, in Yarm Road, whose parent company was bought by the chain in Jaunary 2003. It still operates under the One Stop name.

The Northern Echo, Wednesday 9th January 2008

Why we booted out new Tesco plans [in Norwich]

Controversial plans to build a Tesco Express on Unthank Road have yet again been rejected in what was today hailed by opponents to the store as a victory for democracy.

Councillors on City Hall’s planning committee yesterday overwhelmingly rejected proposals for the store on a former petrol station site for the second time in a month on grounds of highway safety and congestion.

The application by the supermarket giant was turned down in a previous planning committee meeting on December 6, against the recommendation for approval by planning officers, but councillors then asked officers to produce a report setting out the exact wording for the reasons for refusal.

But instead in an unusual move the officers warned the councillors’ reasons for refusal would not stand up to scrutiny or a possible appeal by Tesco, and urged the committee to reconsider their previous ruling and approve the store.

The officers’ suggestion was rebutted at yesterday’s meeting, when councillors, on the casting vote of committee chairman David Bradford decided to stick to their original refusal.

They then agreed almost unanimously on the wording of their reasons for refusal, with just one councillor, Evelyn Collishaw, abstaining and no one voting against the reasoning – that it would cause congestion and jams.

The decision was met with cheers from members of the public concerned at the plans who packed the committee room for the two-hour debate.

But officers made clear before the meeting officers could not support refusal of the scheme, with fears Tesco would win on appeal and leave the council facing a legal bill of tens of thousands of pounds.

David Bradford, Labour city councillor for Crome ward and chairman of the planning committee, said: “It was something that a lot of people felt strongly about but equally there were people who felt there was a need for a Tesco there.

“It was not an anti-Tesco decision, it was just felt that it was not an appropriate site and it would cause traffic problems – lots of local expressions of concern won the day in the end and it was another call for local democracy and hopefully it is seen as such.”

Jenny Lay, Labour councillor for Crome ward, said: “We hope that it’s a win for democracy but that’s yet to be seen. I think Tesco will come back or go to an appeal.

“As councillors we had to consider people’s opinion, it’s their area and they have a right to have an opinion, and we did think there was definitely a traffic danger to the public.”

Tom Llewellyn, Green Party councillor for Wensum, added: “I think it’s a victory for democracy. It’s uplifting and a good thing that the decision we made has been reaffirmed today.”

Mick Banham, Labour member for the Sewell ward, said: “As far as I was concerned we rejected the application full stop on December 6 and today was to determine the detail of the reasons for rejection.

“Officers gave their opinion but after listening to the committee members our case is strengthened.”

Hereward Cooke, Liberal Democrat member for Lakenham, added: “Tesco has the right to appeal but as councillors we see congestion as a plausible reason to reject the application and we all stand by that.”

The outcome was welcomed by campaigners on the Residents Against Unthank Tesco (RAUT) group.

Spokeswoman Bridget Barne added: “We are pleased but it should never have come to this. The officers should have accepted the result of the decision made on December 6 Democracy has won through. Local elected representatives have not given in.”

Derek Pardey, fellow RAUT campaigner, added: “We hope Tesco will recognise this isn’t the correct place to put a convenience store and release the land for housing. I would urge them to do the decent thing.

Andrew Boswell, Norfolk County Green councillor for Nelson ward, who spoke against the Tesco application, added: “This decision is a good step for the democratic process. What’s really been of concern is that there appears to be a lack of support for the previous decision.

“The officers didn’t make a strong case, that had to come from outside the meeting. We do now have a strong case and a defendable case and the democratic process has been restored.”

It is now up to Tesco to consider whether to appeal against the ruling, accept defeat or submit a new application which could overcome the opposition on grounds of congestion and highways safety.

A spokeswoman said: “As we said at the last committee meeting we are disappointed by the decision and equally very surprised that the members did not listen to the professional advice of their planning officer who recommended that this application should be approved.

“We will await the decision notice and consider our options.”

The Unthank Road store ruling is the second to go against Tesco in Norfolk in recent months. In November a North Norfolk Council committee rejected a new supermarket in Sheringham.

Last month the authority revealed it had saved up a £500,000 fighting fund to fight a possible appeal by the retailer and meet legal costs if the committee’s decision was judged unreasonable.

Tesco bosses revealed yesterday work on a new store in Aylsham would start in the next few days, with an opening date pencilled in for the summer.

Are you fighting a planning application in your area? Call Sam Williams on 01603 772447 or e-mail sam.williams@archant.co.uk

Norwich Evening News, 4th January 2008.

However, congratulations to them from us in Cambridge!

Earlier in November, they issued a statement of support for our own Campaign in Cambridge:

The Keep Chorlton Interesting group has been campaigning since March against the application to build a Tesco Express in Chorlton, Manchester and is a coalition of local people, councillors and independent retail businesses. Last Thursday we won an important step forward in the campaign against the Tesco application.

The Council Planning Department’s recommendation was to approve the application. But following our campaign the planning committee Councillors voted unanimously for a “Minded to Refuse” motion. We still have a lot of work to do – but this was an important victory.

We take heart from Finchley where the Council’s decision to refuse a Tesco Express was upheld by the Planning Inspectorate. We can – and will – win – so can your campaign.

They also had done a shopping basket comparison, which, like our own comparison, found that a Tesco Express in their area was more expensive than local independent shops.

The Manchester Evening News also had a story of interest:

David slays Goliath in supermarket battle

IT WAS a battle that pitched a group of independent traders against Britain’s biggest retailer – and for once the little guy won.

More than a dozen shop-owners from the bohemian suburb of Chorlton burst into spontaneous applause as the council’s planning committee said it was minded to refuse plans for a Tesco store on their doorstep.

They claimed the store, to have been built by an Esso filling station on Manchester Road, would have ruined their livelihoods.

Council officers had recommended that the committee allow Tesco to push ahead with their plans.

But members unanimously voted against that advice after a tension-filled meeting.

Chorlton councillors Sheila Newman, Paul Ankers and John Leech – also MP for Withington – all spoke out against the proposal.

But the battle may not be over yet with Esso, who own the site, saying they are considering appealing against the decision.

Coun Newman said: “This is the wrong development in the wrong place at the wrong time. There is no proven need for a supermarket on Manchester Road.

“Chorlton has a wide variety of independent shops which contribute to the unique character of the area. A supermarket in this area could jeopardise their viability.”

Representatives of Esso and Tesco had argued the store was in line with the council’s development principles for Chorlton. The committee’s decision means a new report must be drawn up before the plan can be formally rejected.

Chantelle Scott, owner of fairtrade clothing shop Arkadash on Manchester Road in Chorlton, said: “I am really pleased, and also surprised, that the application has been turned down.

“It just shows what can happen when people join together for a cause they believe in.

“I am delighted that Tesco won’t be coming to Chorlton, but part of me wanted them to arrive so that we could watch them fail miserably as nothing could compete with our local, independent shops.

“We will put forward a strong stance against any appeal.”

A spokesperson for Esso, who own the site and had planned to develop it with Tesco, said: “We are considering whether to appeal against the decision.

“Our experience in other towns and cities, where sites like these have been open for several years, shows that people welcome Esso Tesco Alliance sites.“

Customers can buy essential day-to-day food requirements in a local store environment. This particular proposed development at Chorlton will complement local independent shops and bring benefits to the local community by increasing choice.

“Our alliance with Tesco has successfully brought together Esso’s expertise in petrol retailing with Tesco’s reputation for quality and value in grocery and fresh produce. There are around 160 Tesco Express shops at Esso service stations, providing our customers with even more choice and convenience.”

Tesco declined to comment.

Adam York, of Unicorn, said: “We’re pleased that the council’s committee have taken heed of local opinion, but remain concerned that Tesco have a reputation for not giving up.

“We hope that Tesco will also take heed of local opinion and realise that they are not welcome in Chorlton.”

Victor Hyman, of Barbakan, said: “This campaign has been a passionate but level-headed campaign and the feedback we have had suggests that the committee was impressed that we presented the facts rather than being over-emotional.

“The issue we wanted to highlight is that the site is not suitable for any kind of development, and it’s not just a case of us being anti-Tesco.”

Jon Woodruffe, of Proof bar, said: “One of the things I like about Chorlton is that it has many independent shops like butchers, bakers and grocers. It means that it retains a villagey feel and I think many other people like that too.”

But Katie Fuller, a manager at the Sedge Lynn pub, said: “I think it would be brilliant if Tesco does come here. It would mean being able to buy bread and other groceries at convenient times.”

South Manchester Reporter, 29th November 2007

Conservationists have hailed a council’s decision to refuse permission for a Tesco supermarket in the Norfolk seaside town of Sheringham.

	Tesco store: The decision has been hailed as a ‘real victory’

Councillors from North Norfolk district council took the decision unanimously, by a vote of 17-0, against a recommendation from their officials to approve the 1500 sq metre store.

The controversial proposal has been the subject of a ten-year-long battle between the retailer and opponents within the town.

It became a cause célèbre last year when it emerged that the council had signed a legal agreement with Tesco that it had kept secret for years, and that as a result of the agreement the council was blocking the development of an alternative, smaller retail development in the town.

Officials had warned councillors that they would be liable to pay legal costs if the retailer chose to appeal.

Tom Oliver, Head of Rural Policy at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: “The decision by North Norfolk District Council sends a clear message of hope for local communities up and down the country that the supermarket onslaught can be successfully resisted

“Those in Government who urge an easing of planning rules for supermarkets should think again and listen to the will of the people expressed today in Norfolk.”

The Government’s forthcoming planning Bill would remove the ability of local planners to decide on the “need” for a retail development.

Sandra Bell, supermarket campaigner for Friends of the Earth said: “The decision to say No to Tesco in Sheringham is a real victory for the local community and for democracy.

“Elected councillors in North Norfolk should be congratulated on standing up to the retail giant and acting to protect the character and vibrancy of this seaside town.

“They were absolutely right to go against the recommendation of planning officers which put forward a flawed case for approving a superstore development which would have wiped out local shops in the town and increased traffic and congestion.”

A spokesman for Tesco said: “This is a sad day for the majority of Sheringham’s residents who will now have to wait for a store.”

Tesco still have an appeal outstanding against the alleged failure of the council to decide a planning application for a virtually identical development in 2003. This has yet to be decided by a planning inspector.

Daily Telegraph, 22nd November 2007

The Guardian, Saturday 3rd November 2007

ThisIsMoney reports that:

“Plans to build a superstore and 662 homes at Tolworth, near Kingston, south west London, have been withdrawn in the face of all-out opposition from residents and shopkeeper. [...]
The decision comes after a Competition Commission’s report highlighted concerns about the emergence of ‘Tesco towns’ where only one company can prosper.”

This appears to be a very similar situation to Mill Road, With a large Tesco within 2 miles.

We hope that Tesco will do right thing and withdraw their plans for a Mill Road Tesco in Cambridge.

ThisIsMoney also reported earlier this year on the ‘Sly tricks of the supermarkets‘.