Tesco submits store plan for Bristol site

Supermarket giant Tesco is continuing its six-year battle to build a store in Bristol.

But despite the latest plan for the former Kleeneze and Sealtech sites in Hanham being scaled down from a proposal put forward 16 months ago, it is likely to meet opposition from people worried about its impact on existing shops.

Tesco has been trying to develop the Anstey's Road land since it bought the Kleeneze site in 2003.

Its plan at the time, which also included some flats, led to a campaign against the scheme.

Tesco later withdrew the application before it was determined by South Gloucestershire Council, whose planning officers had recommended rejection.

But in November, 2007, Tesco put on an exhibition to resurrect its proposal, leading to more complaints that a 45,000 sq ft store would threaten existing shops in both Hanham and Kingswood, as well as causing major traffic problems.

The company said it was the start of a consultation exercise and no plans were submitted at that stage.

Now it has formally started the process and applied 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.

There will also be some workshops for local businesses.

Parking for 230 cars is included, with customer access off Anstey's Road and New Walk.

Delivery lorries will reach the site from Martin's Road.

Felix Gummer, Tesco's corporate affairs manager, said acquisition of the Sealtech site had allowed the company to improve access arrangements and landscaping.

He said: "Since then the store size has been reduced and redesigned to ensure it benefits from our wide experience in environmental measures, many of which are incorporated in the latest designs.

"We believe that a Tesco foodstore in such close proximity to Hanham High Street will help attract shoppers and enable them to use local shops as well."

But Hanham councillor John Goddard said he was worried about the damage a supermarket could inflict on existing businesses.

He said: "Our local high street is suffering enough in the current recession without Tesco adding to its problems.

"It would be a disaster if Hanham or Kingswood were to start seeing a series of further shop closures."

Councillor June Bamford said: "Local roads would face gridlock as a result of shoppers coming from outside the area to use the proposed store and Tesco have yet to properly address these concerns.

"It will be Hanham residents and businesses who will have to suffer the consequences of the new store and these people are our first concern, not the ambitions of a company like Tesco."

Chris Skidmore, prospective parliamentary Conservative candidate for the area, said a survey he carried out showed little support among Hanham people for a supermarket.

He said: "While new jobs in the area are welcome, the results indicated that a new Tesco would do nothing to improve the lives of residents."