Express change from Blue Pool pub to shop angers residents
ANGRY residents say they have been denied the right to object over plans to convert a former pub into a supermarket.
Work to transform the old Blue Pool, in Sunny Hill, Derby, into a Tesco Express has already started as the supermarket chain does not need permission to change the use of the building.
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SUPERMARKET SITE: The former Blue Pool pub, in Sunny Hill.
That is because pubs and shops are deemed to be in the same class in terms of planning.
And that means residents have not had an opportunity to raise any objections to the scheme with Derby City Council, as no planning application had to be submitted.
John Heavey, of Rosamond's Ride, is among those opposed to the change.
He said: "Residents and councillors should have a chance to have their say. It's the traffic I'm most concerned about. Stenson Road is busy enough already.
"I think the whole system is wrong – you can't say that a pub and a shop are the same. The pub would have deliveries perhaps three times a week, but there will probably be lorries delivering fresh produce to Tesco two or three times a day."
Residents have, however, succeeded in forcing a series of planning applications for minor alterations to be heard by councillors at a planning committee meeting. Normally, they would be decided by council officers alone.
Ruth Skelton, a Blagreaves ward councillor, said: "At the moment, supermarkets are taking advantage of the fact that pubs and shops are in the same class."
Tesco's applications for roller shutters, a cash machine and illuminated signs will be considered by councillors at a meeting on Thursday.
The plans have received five letters of objection from residents, but planning officers have recommended they be given the go-ahead, stating change of use "cannot be challenged".
An art deco-style building, the Blue Pool is one of three pubs of a similar design built in the city by a local brewery in the 1930s.
The others are the Blue Boy, which closed earlier this year, and the Blue Peter.
Tony Kenny, of Stenson Road, said: "The new store will, without any doubt, generate substantial extra noise, traffic and people.
"This is not an anti-Tesco tirade, merely an attempt to preserve some of the character of the building and the area."
A spokesman for Tesco said: "We work within the planning system. When opportunities arise, we look to see where they fit in with our assessment of needs for a convenience store in the area."
Tesco will open an Express store at the site of the former White Cow pub, in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, tomorrow.
22 Comments
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by Jo, Derbys
Monday, November 02 2009, 1:30PM
“Thanks Chris- I'm sure that will be of help to some. Perhaps it would be useful for the local council to explain this too, especially when embarking on major decisions that will have a big impact on communities!”
by Chris, Derby
Monday, November 02 2009, 1:23PM
“Jo, there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered and I think the planning process is left rather wanting in that there should be more consultation. On the point of objecting or supporting an application, I find that the majority of people do not know how to do this and some think that they need to visit Roman House to place an ojection or support comment or are unaware that the option is available to them at all.
These are available on-line or by posting a letter to the planning dept. Note has to be made of th planning application which must be publicised before a decision is made (recent news shows thatr the DCC failed to do this with 60 applications). Read site notices (must be posted on lamp-posts, buildings or her suitable locatons near to the proposed development) and quote this in your letter to the planning dept. Better still if this is something you feel strongly about, organise your frinds and neighbours and get them to submit letters to the planning dept.”
by Jo, Derbys
Monday, November 02 2009, 1:12PM
“Chris- I agree, there seems to be a real inconsistency about opportunities for public objections to planning decisions.
But also the DET have recently hilighted 60+ applications, including for a mental health hospital, that were hardly advertised, and local people not consulted?
I wonder by what process this all takes place- also considering what has happened over the absence of parking provision for staff at the royal Derby- a major oversight?
Perhaps what links so many of these stories is the issue of "planning" processes?
Maybe there needs to be an independent review of local councils' planning depts?
With regard to the Hippodrome- thank God local people have lobbied and raised the profile of this tragedy!
But it also begs the question- how could a Grade II listed theatre/building be sold off in the first place, to any out of town developer?
(I thought ?Derby New Theatre/amateur groups had put in a decent bid- and had that been accepted- look what a different outcome that would have been!)
Who is responsible for these
decisions, and why are local people/interested parties rarely consulted?
Perhaps it all boils down to money, regardless of the merits.”
by JK, Derby
Monday, November 02 2009, 1:02PM
“I agree with Paul, there is little option. There would have been uproar if the art deco building had been demolished, probably to build around 20 small houses on the site. I've often seen that car park full to overflowing so there can't be too great an increase in traffic volume. I'm sure there will be less noise than a busy pub produces. Five complainants is hardly a massive protest but, as already stated, the elderly carless people in the area will benefit greatly. Sorry for the little corner shops in the area but lifestyles change.”
by John, Derby
Monday, November 02 2009, 1:00PM
“Paul - I don't really know. My issue is more with the bigger pitcure of the demise of the 'local' in general than one singular example, even though this one does hold a lot of personal memories for me. Individuals creating imaginery statistics from fairytale surveys backed up with little/no local knowledge add nothing to the debate though.”