Tesco store protesters on the verge of victory
NEARLY 2,000 people who signed a petition objecting to a proposed Tesco store in Commonside, Walkley, are on the verge of victory.
They have won the backing of city planners over the future of the old petrol station at the corner of Springvale Road and Howard Road.
On Tuesday, councillors will be recommended to formally reject the application for a Tesco Express because of the traffic implications.
In particular, concerns are being raised over delivery lorries using Springvale Road, which is often choked with parked cars, and the lack of off-street parking spaces, which will exacerbate problems on surrounding streets. At the same time, planners are raising no objections to the principle of a supermarket on the site, which is just within the Commonside shopping precinct, or its design and size.
One of the key points raised by protesters was the effect on existing businesses. As well as the petitions, objections came from the South Yorkshire branch of Federation for Small Businesses, the Walkley Forum and members of the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green parties.
The traffic issues have proved insurmountable as far as council officers are concerned.
On the question of deliveries, a council report says: "It is considered that Springvale Road is not a suitable haulage/delivery route, being residential in character and of restricted widths, resulting in delivery drivers making unsafe manoeuvres ..."
No car park is proposed for the store, which "would lead to significant on-street parking ... to the detriment of highway safety".
Tesco has submitted detailed assessments of the suggested delivery and parking arrangements, saying its own lorries would make only two deliveries a day.
While three petitions have been signed by 1,956 people, not everybody is against a Tesco Express in this location. Five letters of support have been received, saying the development would inject variety into Commonside and benefit non-driving residents.
If councillors accept their officers' advice, Tesco has the option of appealing to the Government for the decision to be reversed.
This is the supermarket giant's third attempt at securing permission for Commonside. Last month a scheme for a Tesco Express in Ecclesall Road South, Parkhead, was rejected by the council.
BUY ONLINE: The Sheffield Telegraph and Property Guide are now out every Thursday. To sign up on line click here.
MORE:
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide
Community News
Listings Guide
Restaurant Guide
Letters
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
