Protest group is back as Tesco revives Hanham store plans
A campaign group set up to fight plans for a new supermarket in Hanham has been re-formed.
Tesco recently surprised local people by revealing it had applied for permission to build a store in Anstey's Road – six years after buying the former Kleeneze site.
Its proposal at the time, which also included some flats, led to a campaign against the scheme.
Tesco later withdrew the application before South Gloucestershire councillors had the chance to determine it. It resurrected its proposal in 2007 by putting on an exhibition, which it said was part of a consultation exercise. But no plans were put in and local people thought it had been abandoned.
Now those against the project have dusted off their placards and re-formed their Say No To Tesco Group. They have already distributed 3,000 leaflets to households in the area.
Its revival comes as Hanham Parish Council is about to hold an extraordinary meeting to give people the chance to have their say about the application.
Council chairman John Lewis said: "Tesco hasn't given us a proper opportunity to talk about this and as we are part of the consultation process, I want to hear the views of the public. We then only have a short time to get our response in to South Gloucestershire Council."
The meeting will be held at 7.30pm on April 14 at the Hanham Community Centre in High Street.
Margaret Berry, of Memorial Road, is one of those involved in the campaign against the supermarket giant.
Mrs Berry, 62, said: "Our group was in abeyance but we got it going again when Tesco made its recent announcement.
"The response we've had so far has been fantastic. We've had about 10 people putting 3,000 leaflets through doors and have also produced posters.
"Hanham is just recovering from Asda being at Longwell Green and we are concerned about the impact it will have on local shops.
"There are also concerns about the amount of traffic it will generate and the possible dangers of delivery lorries using our roads, especially to schoolchildren. We also think the store will be too big."
Tesco's plan is for a store with a gross area of 28,000 sq ft predominantly selling food. If approved, it will be staffed by about 150 workers, both full and part-time, with some workshops also provided for local businesses.
Tesco acquired the Sealtech site to add to the Kleeneze land, which it said allowed it to improve access arrangements and landscaping. Felix Gummer, Tesco's corporate affairs manager, also said a food store close to the High Street would help attract shoppers, who would use local shops as well.
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by Craig, Hanham
Thursday, April 16 2009, 1:09PM
“I have only lived in Hanham for a couple of years now, a big change from my years on the Gloucester Road, but what really attracted me was the quasi-village feel it has about it. I do fear for this if a large Tesco¿s opens up here.
The local shops do their job well and the only thing I¿d say we need is another little restaurant! What I really don¿t think we need is any new ¿superstore¿ opening on the doorstep. Asda is only a short hop down the way (with an adequate bus service for anyone who does not drive or that has maybe had a couple to many in the local...) and is perfect for a big shop. The Co-op or Lidls are already there for the quick shopping trips, and granted they may not be as stocked as people hope, but they also do not cause road congestion or risk the livelihood of the local shop owners.
I¿ve also got to risk sounding a bit older than my years here, but I also don¿t really fancy having the local teens using the car parking outside Tesco¿s as a meeting point/race track (Sorry if this seems 'teen-ist'). Maybe this won¿t affect all on this board but I live close to the site and to be honest can¿t stand the annoying buzz of scooters going down Memorial road as it is, I¿ve just got a bad feeling the car park will attract scooters like a fly to, well, you know..
Any way, my rather drawn out view is ¿boo Tesco¿s boo¿.”
by me x, Hanham
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 5:57PM
“I have noticed that a lot of people who are for the Tesco build have gone out of their way to register to this site and have commented on a few articles in relation to the Tesco build. One thing I don¿t understand is why these people don¿t come forward when their vote counts?
I attended this meeting last night and out of about 12 or so speakers only 2 spoke of their support, with no applause after their speeches? Those speaking against the build were each clapped and cheered, which seemed to indicate that most attending were against?
At the meeting the councillors also told us that 90% of those contacting the south Gloucestershire planning council, objected to the plans. (These letters can all be viewed online)
Its really upsetting that rather than using their yes to Tesco vote where is counts, they instead feel they have a duty to put down and make bad comments about the people who are so passionate about Hanham, that they want to be heard, and be counted against this giant.
So come on let the campaigners do their thing, lets not be nasty, and if you are all for a Tesco superstore on your doorstep, then comment where it counts.”
by Ali, Bristol
Tuesday, April 14 2009, 11:25AM
“Sorry Steve but do you live in Hanham??? There is a Co-Op, Premier Stores along with other shops like bakers, gift cards, florists and a basic DIY shop which would all be directly affected by the new proposed Tesco Store. Perhaps you should have a walk down the High Street and re-acquaint yourself with your local shops!”
by Lord Spawn, South Glos
Monday, April 13 2009, 9:42PM
“It is difficult to take the protest group seriously with a comment that the High St is only just recovering from Asda in Longwell Green which has been open for over 20 years.
The proposed Tesco will deal with a derelict site and create jobs which in the current climate must be welcomed.
The target market for Tesco is not the same as Lidl and frankly the Co Op in Hanham could do with competition judging by the times I have been in a long queue while only one till is open.
The Tesco plan should be welcomed but as usual the self appointed NIMBYarmy must have their say and object.”
by Steve, Hanham
Monday, April 13 2009, 9:55AM
“Many of the shops in Hanham High Street are specialist shops i.e cycle shop, hairdessers, bookies, DIY, Curry house so won't be in competition with Tesco.
Good luck Tesco, let the competition commence.........”