Tesco expansion scheme approved at Weston in Bath
Councillors have given the green light to a scheme that will allow the expansion of the Tesco supermarket in Weston.
At a meeting of B&NES Council’s development control committee, councillors voted in favour of a scheme that will also see flats created above the shop.
The decision had already been delayed until councillors had been on a site visit, to assess concerns from residents about parking and the impact on smaller businesses.
Nine councillors voted to give the plans the go-ahead, while three were against the idea, which had been recommended for approval by planning officials.
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Councillor Eleanor Jackson (Lab, Radstock) said: “I think that the officers are right to recommend that we permit this, though I would urge a case for a parking plan.
“On the site visit I was struck by the ugliness of the car park and building.
“This seems to be to be a development that will enhance the conservation area of Weston.”
The scheme has proved controversial, with some residents arguing there is not enough parking for a larger supermarket and others expressing concerns that it will harm the smaller businesses on the High Street.
It would more than double the size of the shop, introduce six two-bedroom flats, but reduce the number of car parking spaces from 24 to 15.
Councillor Martin Veal (Con, Bathavon North ) expressed concerns over parking.
He said: “An extension will inevitably lead to an increase in use.
“An expansion will topple the capacity of the car park.
“Enlarge this facility and it will blight the village of Weston forever.”
Geoff Richards, agent for the developers Bath Weston One shrugged off the parking fears.
“This is not a public car park, and it does not fall on my clients to provide parking for people using the High Street.
“Rather than increasing the number of shoppers by increasing the shop our research has shown that it will just change the nature of their shop.”
Ward councillor Colin Barrett (Con, Weston), and resident Georgina Clampett-Dix spoke against the plans.
They argued that parking was already a major problem in the area and that the proposed scheme would only make matters worse.
Mr Barrett said: “I have put together a petition with 500 signatures on it opposing the plans.
“Car parking in Weston is already a major issue, so to reduce parking when the store will double in size is not logical.”
Comments
by Mr_Nemo
Thursday, November 22 2012, 4:02PM
“Having been to Radstock (many times!) and seen what passes for 'development' in their town centre, I would suggest that the Councillor is in no position to pass any judgement about enhancing a conservation area.”
by joning
Thursday, November 22 2012, 4:01PM
“@ davidp2011
That's because they are in fact a business not the DfT.”
by davidp2011
Thursday, November 22 2012, 1:58PM
“You may recall that when Tesco wanted The Bath Press site they made a video suggesting there was no traffic on Lower Bristol Road. They, like Sainsbury as well, are not interested in traffic issues only in trying to get as many customers as possible. Soon the complaint will be that no one can park in Weston and this is driving out businesses. Too many cars and too little parking is a recipe for chaos.”
by Funkidoo
Thursday, November 22 2012, 1:51PM
“Will people in Bath ever come to terms with the fact the city and its suburbs aren't designed for cars and stop getting wound up about parking? Walk, use public transport (which needs a big overhaul too) and stop thinking your car is king and that parking is the big issue. I don't agree with the choice of supermarket being Tesco because I don't like the Tesco business model. Who's going to lose out? The nursery, hairdressers, post office, charity shop? No, they should stay as they are and attract people for different reasons. It will be the shops that don't offer a wide choice of good value products at a time convenient to all shoppers. And unfortunately, businesses that don't attract all potential customers lose out whether Tesco is there or not.”
by FredofoffBath
Thursday, November 22 2012, 12:58PM
“Quite simple, vote with your feet. Don't shop at tesco.”
by clarysage50
Thursday, November 22 2012, 12:50PM
“APPALLING decision for Weston and its LOCAL shopkeepers and residents.......what does a councillor from Radstock know about local issues relating to Weston?? How on earth will it 'enhance the conservation area of Weston' ??!! What on earth is this woman talking about??? Has she ever shopped in Weston?? And don't get me started on our local councillors.....it would run into too many pages for this website...”
by Dave_Weston
Thursday, November 22 2012, 12:41PM
“Its OK folks - it might be an impractical development, but it'll look better in the conservation area so let's get on with it!
Only in Bath!”
by MajorFlack
Thursday, November 22 2012, 12:40PM
“Nice swerve from Geoff Richards: "This is not a public car park, and it does not fall on my clients to provide parking for people using the High Street."
Maybe not. But his clients, along with planning committee members who really should know better, have clearly abdicated responsibilities for any people using the High Street as his client's customers. Not nice.”
by Ilovespaniels
Thursday, November 22 2012, 12:02PM
“The weekly shop was not a problem with previous owners, and it was pointed out at the time tesco took over that the store would be an 'express' but I don't think the penny dropped until it was too late !”
by 50yearslater
Thursday, November 22 2012, 11:41AM
“I can't believe they've approved this. There's no need for that Tesco to be bigger, and no room for it either. The parking around there is nuts already. Making a shop which hopes to cater to bigger weekly shops just means people will need to be in there longer, so parking will be required as they're buying more and staying longer. Since the overall number of places is reducing already, needing to stay longer and actually bring your car because you're buying more is going to make it much worse.
I really feel for the independant shops on that street too. I will keep using them over the Tescos, and I hope other local residents do too.”