Greens oppose Sainsbury store at Bristol Rovers' ground
Green Party members have come out against the proposed Sainsbury's store at Bristol Rovers' ground in Horfield.
They oppose the supermarket because they say local traders will suffer.
Councillors will decide on Wednesday whether to give planning permission for the store which would provide a large part of the funding which the club needs to finance its proposed new £40 million stadium in Stoke Gifford.
Gus Hoyt, a councillor in the mayor's cabinet, said: "We must protect our valuable local shops if we are to thrive and survive as a city.
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Gloucester Road is one of the prime examples of a diverse high-street that is the life-blood of our independent traders.
"It is also one of the last streets in Bristol where there is a choice of grocers - a mega Sainsbury close by could destroy this precious resource, making local food even harder to come by."
Daniella Radice, Green Party candidate for Bishopston, said: "Rejecting the Sainsbury's application is about supporting our local livelihood and culture.
"Thousands flock to Gloucester Road every day of every year because it is unique - a jewel in Bristol's crown.
"We can't let one of Britain's last remaining high streets get shut down."
The Greens also say that the proposed store will be too big. At 4,851 sq. metres, it is slightly larger than the Tesco's at Eastville (4,652 sq. metres).
Planning officers are recommending that permission should be granted for the new store although a final decision will have to be taken by the Secretary of State.
A planning officers' report before councillors says the new store would not have "a significantly harmful impact on Gloucester Road".
They conclude: "Overall, the proposals raise issues particularly in relation to retail impact and traffic impact.
"However, these concerns must be weighed against the benefits of enabling the development of improved sporting facilities for the benefit of the greater Bristol area."
Comments
by franknebula
Monday, January 14 2013, 4:30PM
“Common sense will determine the outcome on Wednesday Evening, Horfield will be rejuvenated with 200 new jobs,
The Glos. road will be free of traffic on Saturdays, and some Tuesdays Evenings.
then the barbers and launderettes and coffee shops will be free of any hustle!!”
by Robthepoor
Friday, January 11 2013, 6:06PM
“Daniella Radice stood up at the mayoral hustings and said she was against all development in Bristol so this is no surprise. looks like population growth isn't happening in Bristol according to the greens. Bunch of middle class nimbys”
by rocketbob
Friday, January 11 2013, 6:02PM
“thousands of houses being built in the area. Of course they are mostly in the S.Glos area on green Belt but im sure that some of the new residents will be shopping in Gloucester RD After all why would Sainsburys want to be there along with the existing Sainsburys shops in the area.
The local Greens in `Bristol` arent very good at the larger picture are they?”
by RobBradStoke
Friday, January 11 2013, 5:46PM
“Towngas - I suspect totally bias access from specific contributors to the BEP, rather than genuine balanced articles.”
by Towngas
Friday, January 11 2013, 5:01PM
“The Greens appear to be getting a disproportionate level of copy in the Post; this is the second article regarding their opposition to the proposed Sainsburys store on the Mem site. Perhaps they're being given this level of cover as a result of the thousands who flock to Gos. Rd. on a daily basis.”