Tesco plans for Whittlesey set to be refused by Fenland council
A NEW Tesco store off Cemetery Road in Whittlesey could be thrown out by councillors because of the adverse impact it would have on nearby residents.
A NEW Tesco store off Cemetery Road in Whittlesey could be thrown out by councillors because of the adverse impact it would have on nearby residents.
Tesco has also failed to show that building the store will not have a detrimental effect on the long-term future of the town centre, say Fenland District Council planning officers.
Councillors will consider the controversial application for the new store on land north of Syers Lane close to the Queens Street Surgery at next Wednesday’s planning committee.
A report from Nigel Brown, delivery development manager, says: “The application represents development of a nature and scale which by virtue of its relationship to existing residential properties will be unduly dominant and therefore detrimental to existing residential amenities.
“It fails to demonstrate that the cumulative effect of the scheme and other commitments for retail development in Whittlesey have been considered and that the combined impact of the proposed scheme together with existing commitments will not be detrimental to the long-term health of Whittlesey town centre.”
Objections have come from the town council, Whittlesea Society, Whittlesey and District Business Forum, the Middle Level Commissioners and police. There have been 23 letters of support from householders and 48 of objection.
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Building the store would involve the demolition of the fire station, two detached homes fronting Cemetery Road and four fronting High Causeway. The northern boundary of the site abuts James Gardens, a cul-de-sac of bungalows whose residents have protested against the plans.
Residents claim the noise and disturbance both during and after construction would be unbearable and are urging councillors to view the scheme from James Gardens before making any decision. They are also concerned about the loss of property value.
Those in favour of the plan want to see another supermarket close to the centre and say it will encourage people to come into the town centre. They claim a town centre store would revitalise the town and bring benefits to the local businesses.
