Tesco Bristol store plans thwarted
Parish leaders and residents in Hanham have opposed plans by Tesco to build a new store on the former Kleeneze site.
About 100 people turned up at an extraordinary meeting of Hanham Parish Council last night to have their say on the scheme.
They heard the overwhelming majority of local householders and businesses were against the development, although some people supported the convenience of having a store and the jobs it would bring to the area.
Tesco bought the Kleeneze land six years ago but withdrew its first application for a supermarket before South Gloucestershire councillors had the chance to determine it.
Its revived scheme is for a store with a gross area of 28,000 sq ft predominantly selling food. Tesco also said it would create about 150 jobs and claimed it would help attract more shoppers to the High Street.
But those at the meeting in Hanham Community Centre said they feared it would have a detrimental impact on existing businesses and were worried it could result in some closing down if Tesco stocked items they already sold.
Resident John Ireland, of Hunters Close, said he was concerned about households surrounding the site and how they would be affected by a store on their doorstep, as well as thousands of extra cars on Hanham's roads.
He said: "We are already gridlocked at certain times of the day."
With four schools in the area, worries were aired about the safety of pupils going to and from lessons.
Ian Richardson, 46, of Memorial Road, said: "There are potential road dangers for pedestrians, especially children, as well as the noise from delivery vehicles and pollution from lights."
Kate Bell, 40, who runs Sassy Hair Studio on High Street, said: "My main concern is its effect on the High Street. I've run my business for two years but it's been there for 43 years and is very successful. There will also be extra traffic, pollution and we could have supermarket trolleys here, there and everywhere.
"I also want to know where these 150 employees are going to park."
The meeting was told a Say No to Tesco Group had reformed to fight the plan that will eventually be determined by South Gloucestershire Council planners.
Councillor Andy Perkins said he had spoken to more than 160 households to find their views, with two-thirds against the plan but more than 17 per cent in favour.
After the public had their chance to speak on the proposal, the council agreed to oppose the application, citing many of the reasons raised by residents.
After buying the Kleeneze land, Tesco also acquired the Sealtech site, which it said allowed it to improve access arrangements and landscaping.
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by Paul Dykes, Hanham (Ansteys Road)
Wednesday, April 29 2009, 3:26PM
“In response to the comment left by Daniel of Hanham. I think it's fair to say that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and the object of the group is not to change the opinion of others but to spread awareness and ensure as many people as possible are aware of the impact this store would have. The majority that have vented their issues on this forum have actually cited traffic as a main concern, this is one I think they are entitled to make. We happen to live in one of the cottages on the proposed access road ( and have done so for Fifteen years), you can often see my little boy playing football in the road directly outside - do you think he would be able to do this with 4000+ car's funneling into the road - per day!! . That's right, 4000 cars are what Tesco have estimated themselves and what's more it was estimated in 2004 at 6000 cars. So please, not in my backyard - I'd say ¿not in your back yard either.”
by Daniel, Hanham
Friday, April 17 2009, 5:36PM
“I too live opposite the derelict site and I new nothing about the meeting!
I agree with Mandy the Tescos proposal is by far the best option for the site.
I just hope the silent majority in favour are heard above all the shouting Minority with their self serving not in my back yard opinions hidden behind a concern for the shopkeepers on the high street who I believe will only benefit from the re-generation of the area.”
by Ben, Hanham
Friday, April 17 2009, 4:24PM
“Mandy pay attention the comment about the gypsy camp was put there by an anonymous attention seeker for stupid replies! Tesco own the land and have submitted plans, do you think they have changed their minds and sold it to gypsies???! Anyway if you looked up the planning applications in your area you would see that there are no such applications. Seeing as you say you live close to the site may I suggest you take a look at the tesco plans, you may be one of the many houses surrounding the site who¿s Driveways and garden walls will be knocked down so tesco can provide access to the shop!!
I truly don¿t think people realise how much this will affect the poor people next to it. Have some consideration and stop with the selfish ¿I want more competition¿ comments!”
by Mandy, Hanham
Friday, April 17 2009, 9:44AM
“I live right next to where the new Tesco would be and I didn't know anything about the meeting last night or I would have gone . How did everyone else find out about it? I'm all in favour of some competition for Asda. The shops on the high street mostly don't sell the stuff that Tesco sells so wouldn't suffer as far as I can see. Has anyone considered the alternatives? They could fit an extremely large housing estate on that site and how would all the cars from those homes get onto the ring road if not cutting through the streets in Hanham. Is there room enough in our local schools for all their children? And do we want the population of Hanham increased by that amount? As someone else has pointed out, there will always be applications for gypsy camps. What do the 'no to Tesco' campaigners want on that site instead. It's not like the council are going to let us have a nice area of greenery just to sit there looking pretty and not make any money.”
by anon, bristol
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 11:54PM
“Not to worry somebody who workd for the council told my friend that they have had someone put in planning permision for a gypsy camp on the old site”