Supermarket giant submits plans to extend store
NEW jobs will be created if permission to extend a supermarket is given – but concerns have been raised about its impact on local businesses.
Tesco wants to extend its Heanor store by almost half, creating about 100 new jobs.
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CONCERNS: Councillor Paul Jones is worried about the Tesco expansion's impact on local businesses.
But there are fears that a larger store selling more products may take business away from smaller local traders.
Labour councillor Paul Jones said: "I am concerned about the impact on local businesses that this extension will have. The proposal to sell things which it currently does not sell, such as clothes and electrical goods, could be detrimental to some of the small independent stores."
The store is currently about 23,500 sq ft in size and if planning permission is granted, will be extended by approximately 10,900 sq ft.
Tesco said that the larger store would help business in the town by encouraging people to stay in the area rather than going elsewhere for their food shopping.
Regional corporate affairs manager Tony Fletcher said: "The store is very successful and we want to improve it for both our staff and our customers.
"The extra space will give customers more lines and a better choice."
But the level of consultation carried out before the application was submitted has also been criticised by Mr Jones.
He said: "I recognise the benefits the store has brought to the town but we should also be conscious of the impact too.
"In its pre-application paperwork submitted to the council, Tesco stated that it had consulted with local councillors and groups. I would dispute this."
A consultation has now been organised by Amber Valley Borough Council to allow local people to have their say on the issue.
It will take place at the Old People's Welfare Club, on Wednesday, December 16, from 4pm to 8pm.
A public exhibition will also be held at the store, in High Street, next week.
Mr Fletcher said: "This is the start of the process and we will be taking as many views and comments on board throughout the consultation process.
"We are also looking forward to positive discussions with the council, the local community and businesses, regarding linking the improved store more with the town centre.
"This significant investment in the town shows our commitment to the area," he said.
Heanor is already set to undergo a major regeneration as part of the Heanor Masterplan, which aims to encourage investment in the town.
Amber Valley Borough Council leader Councillor Stuart Bradford said: "We are encouraged by the company's interest shown in proposing to extend their existing food store in Heanor.
"This can be seen as a vote of confidence in the town's future and a sign that its economic fortunes may be on the up.
"We will be looking at the planning application very carefully to see whether it would increase the range and quality of shopping facilities in Heanor, and also how the proposals might link in to the wider regeneration of the town centre."
5 Comments
by Richard, Heanor
Wednesday, December 09 2009, 1:24PM
“I think it will be good for the area if it goes ahead because at the moment all there is in Heanor is fastfood outlets and bookies.”
by Jo, Derbys
Thursday, December 03 2009, 1:34PM
“Emma- I agree- and it seems the same pattern occurring across the country?
I think what towns need are traditional shops and markets selling local produce.Eg butchers, bakers, greengrocers, and local crafts, bookshops etc.
The whole character of the town is important- but also attracts visitors if attractive and useful.
Giant supermarkets may have their place- but on the peripeheries of towns and villages- not smack in the middle, sucking the life out of local traders.
But there appears to be complete apathy here in Long Eaton,with a ruined town centre- otherwise a nice place to live.
I do not understand why local people are not part of the planning processes generally- it so undemocratic- and it seems money always speaks.
Communities need to regain a sense of civic pride and ownership of THEIR town.
When visiting France- these megastores are always situated on the outskirts of towns, which always have a wonderful character and locally owned shops and businesses.This would be far more likely to generate profit from visitors.”
by Craig, Chad
Thursday, December 03 2009, 12:53PM
“I'm sorry but Heanor is a dump. The reason the centre is dying is not because of supermarkets but because people want to shop in supermarkets. Money is tight and most people see no reason why they should support underperforming small stores with higher prices, smaller ranges and lower standards of service.”
by Emma, Belper
Thursday, December 03 2009, 12:38PM
“I agree with Jo.
I went to Long Eaton only a couple of weeks ago and the main pedestrianised area can only be described as dead. Numerous shops are empty and it was more like a ghost town than the thriving place I remember it to be.
Tesco are imminently going to put in a planning application for a store in Belper (bear in mind we already have Morrisons, Somerfield, Co-op and Iceland). The Council haven't consulted the residents here either. Tesco are offering various bribes to the town .. new sports facilities, library etc but in the process will be ruining the Meadows edge in a town with World Heritage status. They also plan to place a feeder road to their store going through Morrisons car park, which their representative said they would put in a compulsory purchase order for. They are ruthless.
Heanor has already deteriorated since Tesco built their store there, to make it larger can only spell worse news.
The Councillors should do their job and represent the people they were elected by.”
by Jo, Derbys
Thursday, December 03 2009, 11:16AM
“Please be aware that the giant Tescos in Long Eaton is perceived by many locals and local businesses as having a detrimental effect on the town centre.The traditional market and smaller shops have closed.I have spoken to 3 separate traders in the centre, and they all say "Long Eaton is dead" compared to before.
Also, I don't remember locals being consulted by the council
when this giant supermarket, which appears so dominant, and opposite an Asda superstore , was built.
Tescos itself is OK- but this chain is proliferating everywhere- often smack bang in the middle of smaller more traditional towns.
I think superstores should be placed on the outskirts of towns and villages, much like France- who take a pride in the appearance of their civic centres.
I have heard that a whole row of shops and an historic building were taken out in Beeston, Notts, to make way for a Tesco superstore- at present it is a gaping empty field in the town.(and a large successful Sainsburys already exists.)
Within a 2 mile radius, we have a Tesco superstore in Toton; and I've seen placards in Sandiacre nearby, from local traders saying:"do we need another Tescos here?"(There are currently 2 major supermarkets already in a small centre.)
This kind of aggressive planning should be heavily curbed, and councils should consult with local people first as to the needs of that community.
I believe local people should have far more power to resist these planning applications that can have such a massive impact on civic centres.
And councils should represent the locals' interests!”