Many thanks to Eric Bridgstock who wrote to the Herts Advertiser to say that he had returned his 'Clubcard' to Tesco in opposition to the supermarket's plans for London Road.
Further coverage of Tesco's consultation can also be found in the paper today or online here.
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Tesco's Restaurant Problems
Tesco is promising a 'new customer café' as part of its propsals. You might want to read this article from the icBerkshire website before you think this would be a good thing for St Albans. Just one quote (this isn't half of it!)...
"Officers from Reading Borough Council's environmental health department swooped on Tesco's restaurant Avenance in the Napier Road store on November 16, after a customer complained of finding bristles of a wire brush inside a pie."
"Officers from Reading Borough Council's environmental health department swooped on Tesco's restaurant Avenance in the Napier Road store on November 16, after a customer complained of finding bristles of a wire brush inside a pie."
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Negative Views
We've had another, rare, objection to our campaign through the website. As the visitor didn't leave his email, we're going to respond publicly. He (we know his name, but will keep it anonymous) wrote...
'I would allow Tesco into the site, I believe you are small minded people who cannot look into the future and whom are afraid of change'
To be honest, we find this charge a bit silly - we want to see change on the site, we just want to see change that will benefit the people of St Albans. We don't see how another supermarket is a good change - the people of St Albans already have a great choice of shops and supermarkets in the local area. In terms of future needs, given the rise of online food deliveries supermarkets themselves are becoming outdated, but the need for housing will grow for many years to come!
Please keep the comments coming!
'I would allow Tesco into the site, I believe you are small minded people who cannot look into the future and whom are afraid of change'
To be honest, we find this charge a bit silly - we want to see change on the site, we just want to see change that will benefit the people of St Albans. We don't see how another supermarket is a good change - the people of St Albans already have a great choice of shops and supermarkets in the local area. In terms of future needs, given the rise of online food deliveries supermarkets themselves are becoming outdated, but the need for housing will grow for many years to come!
Please keep the comments coming!
Tesco's New Arguments - Our Views
We've had the chance to look at Tesco's consultation materials today. One of the big claims on the website and leaflet is that Tesco has 'listened' and changed its plans. We look at those claims below - material in blue is taken from www.tescostalbans.co.uk, we respond in red!
1) 'You wanted to keep the locally listed buildings on Alma Road'. The latest scheme retains these properties and provides new parking spaces for the residents. In fact, we've gone further. We're also keeping and renovating the traditional houses on London Road too.
We don't give a lot of credit to Tesco for this. Tesco suggested the unnecessary demolitions in the first place and the fact is that St Albans Council made it clear in discussions that it would not allow the Alma Road houses to be demolished. The council has also told Tesco to repair the houses on London Road that Tesco has allowed to become derelict. Finally, the Tesco leaflet also makes it clear that 'traditional houses' on Inkerman Road will be demolished.
2) You thought the store should be smaller. Now that the Alma Road properties are being retained, the store size has reduced by 18%. This also means that the height of the store would be lower.
We predicted months ago that Tesco would make token cuts to its proposals to claim it had 'listened'. An 18% cut might sound good but the store is still far too big - it will still be one of the biggest supermarkets in St Albans in an area that has too much traffic and pollution already.
3) You were worried about traffic congestion. The smaller store will also mean less traffic. As before, we're proposing several measures to maintain traffic flow on London Road, including a dedicated right hard turning lane and new signalling.
This was a major issue, but effectively Tesco is admitting that it has done nothing new in terms of traffic management. The roads around the site are already clogged up, especially on Saturday mornings, where queues of 600m are common. Tesco's plans will not begin to solve the problem and we're frankly disappointed that it didn't even try to come up with new ideas.
4) You would prefer town houses to apartments. We are keeping the town houses along London Road, rather than build new apartments.
See point 1 for our views on this!
5) 'You were concerned that the store would be too visible from London Road. Even more than before, the new store and car park would be shielded from view at street level by the houses that surround the site and through the design of the retail units and store entrance'.
Tesco's new design still shows a massive building with a huge concrete parking area that is not at all in tune with the local area.
6) 'That independent retailing is important in St Albans. We've increased the number of independent retail units on the site from four to seven.'
We don't understand Tesco's logic here. Building more retail units in London Road is not going to help the market traders and central St Albans stores. Existing businesses in London Road and Victoria Street will also face further increased competition. The best way to help independent businesses in the local area is to build more houses to increase the number of customers.
7) 'That parking can be very difficult in St Albans. We have already promised to offer up to three hours free parking'.
Firstly, we're a bit worried by the phrase 'up to three hours' - does Tesco plan to vary this? Secondly, Tesco still seems to think that people will walk from the site into the City centre. It takes a long time and there is a big hill in the way! All the new car park will do is to draw people away from the centre of the City.
There were other objections - why has Tesco not addressed the feedback that local people would prefer a community use for the site - and that pollution levels are already too high?
1) 'You wanted to keep the locally listed buildings on Alma Road'. The latest scheme retains these properties and provides new parking spaces for the residents. In fact, we've gone further. We're also keeping and renovating the traditional houses on London Road too.
We don't give a lot of credit to Tesco for this. Tesco suggested the unnecessary demolitions in the first place and the fact is that St Albans Council made it clear in discussions that it would not allow the Alma Road houses to be demolished. The council has also told Tesco to repair the houses on London Road that Tesco has allowed to become derelict. Finally, the Tesco leaflet also makes it clear that 'traditional houses' on Inkerman Road will be demolished.
2) You thought the store should be smaller. Now that the Alma Road properties are being retained, the store size has reduced by 18%. This also means that the height of the store would be lower.
We predicted months ago that Tesco would make token cuts to its proposals to claim it had 'listened'. An 18% cut might sound good but the store is still far too big - it will still be one of the biggest supermarkets in St Albans in an area that has too much traffic and pollution already.
3) You were worried about traffic congestion. The smaller store will also mean less traffic. As before, we're proposing several measures to maintain traffic flow on London Road, including a dedicated right hard turning lane and new signalling.
This was a major issue, but effectively Tesco is admitting that it has done nothing new in terms of traffic management. The roads around the site are already clogged up, especially on Saturday mornings, where queues of 600m are common. Tesco's plans will not begin to solve the problem and we're frankly disappointed that it didn't even try to come up with new ideas.
4) You would prefer town houses to apartments. We are keeping the town houses along London Road, rather than build new apartments.
See point 1 for our views on this!
5) 'You were concerned that the store would be too visible from London Road. Even more than before, the new store and car park would be shielded from view at street level by the houses that surround the site and through the design of the retail units and store entrance'.
Tesco's new design still shows a massive building with a huge concrete parking area that is not at all in tune with the local area.
6) 'That independent retailing is important in St Albans. We've increased the number of independent retail units on the site from four to seven.'
We don't understand Tesco's logic here. Building more retail units in London Road is not going to help the market traders and central St Albans stores. Existing businesses in London Road and Victoria Street will also face further increased competition. The best way to help independent businesses in the local area is to build more houses to increase the number of customers.
7) 'That parking can be very difficult in St Albans. We have already promised to offer up to three hours free parking'.
Firstly, we're a bit worried by the phrase 'up to three hours' - does Tesco plan to vary this? Secondly, Tesco still seems to think that people will walk from the site into the City centre. It takes a long time and there is a big hill in the way! All the new car park will do is to draw people away from the centre of the City.
There were other objections - why has Tesco not addressed the feedback that local people would prefer a community use for the site - and that pollution levels are already too high?
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Tell the St Albans Review What You Think
First coverage of Tesco's new plans appeared tonight in the St Albans Review's website here. Please add your comment to those that have appeared already!
The Consultation is On - Please Let Tesco Know What You Think Now!
Tesco announced to the local press today that it started consulting local people again about the London Road store yesterday (26th November). It has mailed 15,000 local people and businesses and updated its website www.tescostalbans.co.uk. (The website seems to be going up in parts but we assume it will be up in full today (27th November) - we're not sure at the moment if anyone has yet received a leaflet - the streets closest to the development have not!
Tesco has told the local press that consultation will end on 10th December. That gives less than 2 weeks for the people of St Albans to make their opposition to Tesco clear. To help us, please do the following....
1) Read through Tesco's site and materials and then enter your comments into the Tesco website by following this link or sending back Tesco's leaflet.
2) Please be very clear about your views on the site - don't leave Tesco any 'wriggle-room' to claim that you support the idea of a store. We suggest the following replies...
1. Do you agree or disagree with the findings of the Council's retail report that highlights the need for a new food store in St Albans - Undecided - there has been significant growth of food stores since the report that may meet needs.
2. Do you agree or disagree that this is the best available site near the town centre to meet the identified need for a food store? - Disagree - the best site would be near the police station from where people could feasibly walk into the centre.
3. The proposed store has been designed to be broadly hidden behind the houses that surround the site. Do you agree or disagree with the proposed design? - Disagree - the design is not in keeping with the surroundings and will take away green spaces entirely.
4. How beneficial do you think up to 3 hours free car parking at the store will be to:
A: Shoppers visiting London Road retailers - Not beneficial - as the stores will be badly affected by competition and may close
B: Shoppers visiting any St Albans shops - Not beneficial - noone is going to walk up London Road into town, and St Albans shops will be badly affected by loss of business, reducing consumer choice.
5. Do you agree or disagree that the proposed measures to aid traffic flow on London Road are appropriate - Disagree - there is no attempt to improve poor public transport and the sheer volume of additional traffic will gridlock the area at key times during the week, especially Saturdays.
Further comments:
You may wish to suggest there are better alternative uses such as housing or a school; complain about Tesco's allowing buildings in the area to become derelict; point out the huge local opposition; or mention the increase in pollution the store will bring.
3) Let us know your views by emailing tescocampaign@yahoo.co.uk or sending us a copy of your leaflet to 39 Alma Road, St Albans. Please let us know immediately of any feedback you get from Tesco, or if there are 'problems' with their website (during the last consultation exercise the website was repeatedly out of action).
4) Let others know of the importance of opposing Tesco - the company has chosen to mail 15,000 people presumably in the hope of getting a low turn-out.
5) Let us know by email if you can help us in other ways - especially if you'd be prepared to deliver leaflets to your local area.
6) Watch this space for updates!
PS - here are two photos of Tesco's new plans.... what seems to be missing is the traffic jams and associated pollution! There's also no view from Bedford Road - what will these residents see? And there's no accompanying image of the green belt housing that will be needed if this key site in walking distance of the Thameslink station is lost to a supermarket!
Tesco has told the local press that consultation will end on 10th December. That gives less than 2 weeks for the people of St Albans to make their opposition to Tesco clear. To help us, please do the following....
1) Read through Tesco's site and materials and then enter your comments into the Tesco website by following this link or sending back Tesco's leaflet.
2) Please be very clear about your views on the site - don't leave Tesco any 'wriggle-room' to claim that you support the idea of a store. We suggest the following replies...
1. Do you agree or disagree with the findings of the Council's retail report that highlights the need for a new food store in St Albans - Undecided - there has been significant growth of food stores since the report that may meet needs.
2. Do you agree or disagree that this is the best available site near the town centre to meet the identified need for a food store? - Disagree - the best site would be near the police station from where people could feasibly walk into the centre.
3. The proposed store has been designed to be broadly hidden behind the houses that surround the site. Do you agree or disagree with the proposed design? - Disagree - the design is not in keeping with the surroundings and will take away green spaces entirely.
4. How beneficial do you think up to 3 hours free car parking at the store will be to:
A: Shoppers visiting London Road retailers - Not beneficial - as the stores will be badly affected by competition and may close
B: Shoppers visiting any St Albans shops - Not beneficial - noone is going to walk up London Road into town, and St Albans shops will be badly affected by loss of business, reducing consumer choice.
5. Do you agree or disagree that the proposed measures to aid traffic flow on London Road are appropriate - Disagree - there is no attempt to improve poor public transport and the sheer volume of additional traffic will gridlock the area at key times during the week, especially Saturdays.
Further comments:
You may wish to suggest there are better alternative uses such as housing or a school; complain about Tesco's allowing buildings in the area to become derelict; point out the huge local opposition; or mention the increase in pollution the store will bring.
3) Let us know your views by emailing tescocampaign@yahoo.co.uk or sending us a copy of your leaflet to 39 Alma Road, St Albans. Please let us know immediately of any feedback you get from Tesco, or if there are 'problems' with their website (during the last consultation exercise the website was repeatedly out of action).
4) Let others know of the importance of opposing Tesco - the company has chosen to mail 15,000 people presumably in the hope of getting a low turn-out.
5) Let us know by email if you can help us in other ways - especially if you'd be prepared to deliver leaflets to your local area.
6) Watch this space for updates!
PS - here are two photos of Tesco's new plans.... what seems to be missing is the traffic jams and associated pollution! There's also no view from Bedford Road - what will these residents see? And there's no accompanying image of the green belt housing that will be needed if this key site in walking distance of the Thameslink station is lost to a supermarket!
Tesco's Press Release in Full
Here's Tesco's press release announcing the consultation... we're not convinced...
Tesco unveils new plans for London Road
Tesco has today launched the final stage of its consultation on its proposals to redevelop London Road. The new proposals have changed significantly from the draft scheme consulted on earlier in the year. It now includes:
Our scheme would mean:
Project spokesman, Michael Kissman said:
"Our proposals are significantly different because we've changed them as a result of what people told us during the initial phase of consultation. We will be submitting the application soon, as we're keen to progress the redevelopment of the site. Before we do that, we want to know what people think of the new plans and whether there are any more changes we should be making."
Consultation leaflets have been posted to the 15,000 homes and businesses closest to the London Road site. Tesco has asked for consultation submissions to be returned by 10th December. The leaflet can be downloaded at www.tescostalbans.co.uk, or requested by calling 0845 603 9805 or emailing comments@tescostalbans.co.uk.
Tesco unveils new plans for London Road
Tesco has today launched the final stage of its consultation on its proposals to redevelop London Road. The new proposals have changed significantly from the draft scheme consulted on earlier in the year. It now includes:
Our scheme would mean:
- A smaller Tesco store - at 4,000 sq m it's 18% smaller than first proposed
- 7 independent retail units - 3 more than originally included
- Improved design - to integrate the development with the local surroundings
- 490 shared parking spaces for store and City Centre shoppers - allowing shoppers to park and visit the City Centre
- Fewer store parking spaces at street level, further reducing noise pollution
- Retained locally listed buildings on London Road and Alma Road - rather than new flats
- New residents’ parking on Alma Road and Inkerman Road
- Major road improvements to aid local traffic flow - including a signalised store access; upgraded junction where London Road meets Lattimore Road; and removing store traffic from the main flow of traffic by creating a right-hand filter lane on London Road.
Project spokesman, Michael Kissman said:
"Our proposals are significantly different because we've changed them as a result of what people told us during the initial phase of consultation. We will be submitting the application soon, as we're keen to progress the redevelopment of the site. Before we do that, we want to know what people think of the new plans and whether there are any more changes we should be making."
Consultation leaflets have been posted to the 15,000 homes and businesses closest to the London Road site. Tesco has asked for consultation submissions to be returned by 10th December. The leaflet can be downloaded at www.tescostalbans.co.uk, or requested by calling 0845 603 9805 or emailing comments@tescostalbans.co.uk.
Monday, 26 November 2007
The Countdown is On
Earlier this month, Tesco promised that it would 'issue a consultation leaflet in November' as part of this press release. To remind the company of this, we've added a countdown timer to the website...
Lets hope that Tesco's Michael Kissman isn't delayed too long in Gerards Cross, where he is representing his employer in the infamous 'Tesco Tunnel' saga, according to the Bucks Free Press.
Lets hope that Tesco's Michael Kissman isn't delayed too long in Gerards Cross, where he is representing his employer in the infamous 'Tesco Tunnel' saga, according to the Bucks Free Press.
Sunday, 25 November 2007
Massive Cambridge Anti-Tesco Protest
The campaigners against Tesco's plans for Mill Road in Cambridge (the city where Tesco already has a 51% market share!) held a massive march yesterday. Pictures can be found here!
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Tesco Houses Provoke Discussion
Following the article in last week's Herts Advertiser about Tesco's 'derelict' houses on London Road, a stream of anti-Tesco letters appeared this week.
Angela Nicholls of St Albans Stop Tesco railed against Tesco's landbanking, Simon Grover of the St Albans District Green Party questioned why Tesco was trying a second consultation exercise when 95% of local people were opposed to its plans, and local resident David Dorkings pointed out the disadvantages of building a supermarket in the middle of a residential development.
Finally, Cllr Chris Brazier of St Albans Council outlined the council's conversations with Tesco and proposed use of an EDMO (Empty Dwellings Management Order for property nerds) to refurbish the derelict houses if needed. Slightly worryingly, the date for Tesco to 'enhance and refurbish' the properties seems to have been set as February 2008 - does a retail giant really need 3 months to do up some houses?
As always, thanks to those who write to keep the Tesco story in the local papers!
Angela Nicholls of St Albans Stop Tesco railed against Tesco's landbanking, Simon Grover of the St Albans District Green Party questioned why Tesco was trying a second consultation exercise when 95% of local people were opposed to its plans, and local resident David Dorkings pointed out the disadvantages of building a supermarket in the middle of a residential development.
Finally, Cllr Chris Brazier of St Albans Council outlined the council's conversations with Tesco and proposed use of an EDMO (Empty Dwellings Management Order for property nerds) to refurbish the derelict houses if needed. Slightly worryingly, the date for Tesco to 'enhance and refurbish' the properties seems to have been set as February 2008 - does a retail giant really need 3 months to do up some houses?
As always, thanks to those who write to keep the Tesco story in the local papers!
Sheringham Success (not for Michael Kissman though)
The ongoing saga of Tesco's plans for the Norfolk town of Sheringham took a positive twist today. According to the EDP24 website, local councillors voted 17-0 against Tesco's plans.
Campaigner Eroica Mildmay (great name!) from the Sheringham Campaign Against Major Retail Overdevelopment said the outcome was an,
“absolutely fantastic victory for common sense over corporate bullying."
However, there is still concern as Tesco is a planning an appeal! Plus our old sparring partner Michael Kissman popped up to claim it was a,
“sad day for the majority of residents of Sheringham” who he said wanted the store. (Would be interesting to see his stats and if they're like the ones he tried to use initially in St Albans!)
Hope he gets back quickly from Norfolk in time to distribute his much-anticipated and promised consultation leaflets here - there's only 1 week left in November you know!
Campaigner Eroica Mildmay (great name!) from the Sheringham Campaign Against Major Retail Overdevelopment said the outcome was an,
“absolutely fantastic victory for common sense over corporate bullying."
However, there is still concern as Tesco is a planning an appeal! Plus our old sparring partner Michael Kissman popped up to claim it was a,
“sad day for the majority of residents of Sheringham” who he said wanted the store. (Would be interesting to see his stats and if they're like the ones he tried to use initially in St Albans!)
Hope he gets back quickly from Norfolk in time to distribute his much-anticipated and promised consultation leaflets here - there's only 1 week left in November you know!
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Monday, 19 November 2007
Tesco 'To Be Aggressive in Slashing Christmas Booze Prices'
One issue we've talked about before is how Tesco claims to want the best for local communities. We're not sure how this can sit alongside the company's policy on selling ever cheaper alcohol. Commentators have linked the availability of cheap alcohol to anti-social behaviour, increased alcoholism and under-age drinking.
This Christmas, the problem is set to get worse. Tesco's Head of Beer, Wine and Spirits, Dan Jago, told Off-Licence News that,
“Deep promotional activity is even more aggressive than last year, across the board. It’s proving to be a very competitive market and customers are getting a very good deal.”
Off-Licence News' sister publication, The Morning Advertiser, reports that lager is now available in some Tesco stores for as little as 22p a can. We're not convinced that such policies and practices would help St Albans!
UPDATE: The Belfast Telegraph reports that Tesco has been found ' in breach of the Code of Practice for selling and promoting alcohol'. Apparently, Tesco ran a "buy 12 cans get 12 cans free" offer and ran newspaper advertisements 'encouraging people to "get in fast"'. Responsible drinking?
This Christmas, the problem is set to get worse. Tesco's Head of Beer, Wine and Spirits, Dan Jago, told Off-Licence News that,
“Deep promotional activity is even more aggressive than last year, across the board. It’s proving to be a very competitive market and customers are getting a very good deal.”
Off-Licence News' sister publication, The Morning Advertiser, reports that lager is now available in some Tesco stores for as little as 22p a can. We're not convinced that such policies and practices would help St Albans!
UPDATE: The Belfast Telegraph reports that Tesco has been found ' in breach of the Code of Practice for selling and promoting alcohol'. Apparently, Tesco ran a "buy 12 cans get 12 cans free" offer and ran newspaper advertisements 'encouraging people to "get in fast"'. Responsible drinking?
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Competition Commission Survey Results In
Not surprisingly, 72% of visitors to this site think that the Competition Commission is too easy on supermarkets. What we're interested in is who the two visitors who thought the opposite are. We do welcome anyone to the site - even those working in Tesco head office!
The next poll starts today. In the light of the recent debate over the derelict houses in London Road, we ask what action St Albans Council should take. Please add any comments to this post, or email us your views.
The next poll starts today. In the light of the recent debate over the derelict houses in London Road, we ask what action St Albans Council should take. Please add any comments to this post, or email us your views.
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Time To Take Action Against Tesco
Following on from yesterday's comments in the St Albans Review and Observer from Conservative Cllr Teresa Heritage suggesting compulsory purchase of the Eversheds site, Stop Tesco's Ian Langford follows up with more supporting evidence for this in a letter to the Herts Advertiser. We reproduce this in full...
Sir - In September 2000 St Albans District Council granted planning permission for 46 flats and 19 dwelling houses on the former Eversheds site in London Road. The site was subsequently purchased by Tesco. The assumption of housing on this site, along with the former Odeon Cinema car park, are included in the council's 2005 and 2006 Housing Capacity studies to deliver 7,000-plus new houses without building on the Green Belt.
In 2006 the Herts Advertiser reported "Cllr Chris Brazier wants to use compulsory purchase powers if Tesco does not come up with a plan for the land it owns off London Road. The area has become rundown since Tesco acquired the former Eversheds print works and surrounding area". Over a year later the area looks just as bad.
Tesco are yet to submit firm plans, and now the Conservative group leader on the council has made the same call for compulsory purchase.
Come on St Albans District Council, let's stop talking and start acting. Send Tesco a Christmas card containing a compulsory purchase order for the Eversheds site. Give the 5,000 plus local residents who have signed the petition against a Tesco superstore and have to live alongside this blighted area a great Christmas present, and into the bargain provide some affordable housing, reduce the pressure to build on the Green Belt and maybe even include a much needed primary school in the development as well.
Sir - In September 2000 St Albans District Council granted planning permission for 46 flats and 19 dwelling houses on the former Eversheds site in London Road. The site was subsequently purchased by Tesco. The assumption of housing on this site, along with the former Odeon Cinema car park, are included in the council's 2005 and 2006 Housing Capacity studies to deliver 7,000-plus new houses without building on the Green Belt.
In 2006 the Herts Advertiser reported "Cllr Chris Brazier wants to use compulsory purchase powers if Tesco does not come up with a plan for the land it owns off London Road. The area has become rundown since Tesco acquired the former Eversheds print works and surrounding area". Over a year later the area looks just as bad.
Tesco are yet to submit firm plans, and now the Conservative group leader on the council has made the same call for compulsory purchase.
Come on St Albans District Council, let's stop talking and start acting. Send Tesco a Christmas card containing a compulsory purchase order for the Eversheds site. Give the 5,000 plus local residents who have signed the petition against a Tesco superstore and have to live alongside this blighted area a great Christmas present, and into the bargain provide some affordable housing, reduce the pressure to build on the Green Belt and maybe even include a much needed primary school in the development as well.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
The Review has more on the derelict houses...
The St Albans Review and Observer covers Tesco's promise to look at its derelict buildings on London Road today. It also reveals that Tesco owns 60 properties in the area, of which 16 are derelict.
Local Green Party spokesperson, Simon Grover, spoke for many local residents in the article, when he said,
"[Tesco] is just spinning this out in the hope that local people will just give up".
Elsewhere in the same paper, and from the other side of the political spectrum, Cllr Teresa Heritage, Leader of the Conservative Group on St Albans Council, writes a letter arguing that the council should compulsarily purchase the Tesco site and use it for the logical purpose of new housing. Tesco has once more succeeded in uniting all political parties against its plans.
Local Green Party spokesperson, Simon Grover, spoke for many local residents in the article, when he said,
"[Tesco] is just spinning this out in the hope that local people will just give up".
Elsewhere in the same paper, and from the other side of the political spectrum, Cllr Teresa Heritage, Leader of the Conservative Group on St Albans Council, writes a letter arguing that the council should compulsarily purchase the Tesco site and use it for the logical purpose of new housing. Tesco has once more succeeded in uniting all political parties against its plans.
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Tesco and St Albans Council Speak
UPDATED 17:30 13th November
Following our posting of the press release this am, we've now added some further thoughts, in red of course...
Here's the full text of a press release issued by St Albans City & District yesterday. We'll come back and analyse it later, but at the moment, it could be that Tesco is ready to move on its next 'consultation'.
Tesco agree to clean up their site
St Albans City and District Council met with representatives from Tesco, to discuss the state of their land and the vacant properties bordering the site, on Alma Road and London Road.
The objective of the meeting was to agree a way forward that would ensure an improvement to the appearance of the properties and gardens as well as the land, which would benefit local residents and provide a better impression of the city to people entering it via the London Road.
At the meeting on 7 November, the following steps were agreed:-
· Tesco will ensure that the site is cleaned up and a photo taken to provide a reference for future monitoring. They will also ensure more money is invested to keep it this way.
(Not that we mind this happening, but shouldn't this cleaning been taking place for the 7 years of Tesco ownership?)
· Tesco are having the properties surveyed and will advise the council by the end of the year, whether they will renovate and refurbish them to rent to tenants, or wait until they know the outcome of their planning application and sell them.
(This is in response to the threat by local councillors to take over the houses and use them to help St Albans's housing crisis, as we reported in October, so we can't give you any credit here at all, Tesco. In fact, you're actually causing more delay by waiting until the end of the year. Sorry.)
· Tesco will issue a consultation leaflet in November and a new planning application by January 08.
(Don't hold your breath in anticipation. We've documented before how Tesco has repeatedly promised a planning application for over a year. Our recent online poll showed strong feeling that Tesco will wait for changes in planning law before proceeding. Tesco has also been saying on www.tescostalbans.co.uk that it will release full details of its new plans 'in a few weeks' - since July 19th!)
· The council will continue to discuss with Tesco, how their property could be occupied and well maintained.
Cllr Robert Donald, Chair of Cabinet commented:
“I was very pleased with the constructive nature of the meeting which was held, and look forward to resolving together the twin issues discussed, regarding the general run-down appearance and dereliction of this part of London Road, and re-letting the empty properties to assist housing need in the district, in the near future. Residents and visitors are becoming increasingly concerned about the situation on this heavily used route into the city.”
(We agree with Cllr Donald, and hope Tesco noticed the end of his last sentence, which we've highlighted in blue!)
Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager, Michael Kissman said:
"Tesco is sensitive to the issues on London Road, which is why we asked to meet Cllrs Donald and Brazier. We have changed our plans so we no longer plan to demolish the houses on London Road, we were therefore happy to outline how we will improve their appearance. We all agreed that the buildings should be brought back into use."
"A leaflet outlining our latest plans for the site will be sent to local residents over the next two weeks. We intend to submit a planning application within the next three months."
(Michael, we're looking forward to your leaflet, and can assure you that we will encourage people to make their comments and send them back to you. We will encourage them to say that your plan will increase congestion even more (last Saturday was awful as it is), increase pollution, damage local retailers and the 1000 year old market, and waste the opportunity for affordable housing and a school in a key central (but NOT City Centre) location. We will encourage them to say that your development is highly inappropriate for a conservation area.)
Following our posting of the press release this am, we've now added some further thoughts, in red of course...
Here's the full text of a press release issued by St Albans City & District yesterday. We'll come back and analyse it later, but at the moment, it could be that Tesco is ready to move on its next 'consultation'.
Tesco agree to clean up their site
St Albans City and District Council met with representatives from Tesco, to discuss the state of their land and the vacant properties bordering the site, on Alma Road and London Road.
The objective of the meeting was to agree a way forward that would ensure an improvement to the appearance of the properties and gardens as well as the land, which would benefit local residents and provide a better impression of the city to people entering it via the London Road.
At the meeting on 7 November, the following steps were agreed:-
· Tesco will ensure that the site is cleaned up and a photo taken to provide a reference for future monitoring. They will also ensure more money is invested to keep it this way.
(Not that we mind this happening, but shouldn't this cleaning been taking place for the 7 years of Tesco ownership?)
· Tesco are having the properties surveyed and will advise the council by the end of the year, whether they will renovate and refurbish them to rent to tenants, or wait until they know the outcome of their planning application and sell them.
(This is in response to the threat by local councillors to take over the houses and use them to help St Albans's housing crisis, as we reported in October, so we can't give you any credit here at all, Tesco. In fact, you're actually causing more delay by waiting until the end of the year. Sorry.)
· Tesco will issue a consultation leaflet in November and a new planning application by January 08.
(Don't hold your breath in anticipation. We've documented before how Tesco has repeatedly promised a planning application for over a year. Our recent online poll showed strong feeling that Tesco will wait for changes in planning law before proceeding. Tesco has also been saying on www.tescostalbans.co.uk that it will release full details of its new plans 'in a few weeks' - since July 19th!)
· The council will continue to discuss with Tesco, how their property could be occupied and well maintained.
Cllr Robert Donald, Chair of Cabinet commented:
“I was very pleased with the constructive nature of the meeting which was held, and look forward to resolving together the twin issues discussed, regarding the general run-down appearance and dereliction of this part of London Road, and re-letting the empty properties to assist housing need in the district, in the near future. Residents and visitors are becoming increasingly concerned about the situation on this heavily used route into the city.”
(We agree with Cllr Donald, and hope Tesco noticed the end of his last sentence, which we've highlighted in blue!)
Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager, Michael Kissman said:
"Tesco is sensitive to the issues on London Road, which is why we asked to meet Cllrs Donald and Brazier. We have changed our plans so we no longer plan to demolish the houses on London Road, we were therefore happy to outline how we will improve their appearance. We all agreed that the buildings should be brought back into use."
"A leaflet outlining our latest plans for the site will be sent to local residents over the next two weeks. We intend to submit a planning application within the next three months."
(Michael, we're looking forward to your leaflet, and can assure you that we will encourage people to make their comments and send them back to you. We will encourage them to say that your plan will increase congestion even more (last Saturday was awful as it is), increase pollution, damage local retailers and the 1000 year old market, and waste the opportunity for affordable housing and a school in a key central (but NOT City Centre) location. We will encourage them to say that your development is highly inappropriate for a conservation area.)
Sunday, 11 November 2007
More Support from our MP
Thisishertsfordshire carries the latest views of St Albans' MP Anne Main. Speaking after Tesco unveiled its new plans, she says,
"These revised plans indicate that the majority of locally listed houses will now be saved, refurbished and remarketed as family homes. I welcome the fact that Tesco isn't now planning to tear down characterful local properties but I am unhappy that Inkermann Rd homes are still under threat."
Thanks for the support!
"These revised plans indicate that the majority of locally listed houses will now be saved, refurbished and remarketed as family homes. I welcome the fact that Tesco isn't now planning to tear down characterful local properties but I am unhappy that Inkermann Rd homes are still under threat."
"I know that residents are heartily sick of the tatty appearance of the London and Alma Road areas and are frustrated by the fact that these houses, which could have provided family homes, have been lying idle and falling into disrepair.
"Despite the revisions these new store proposals are still too big and the store will inevitably cause traffic mayhem in the local area.
"I still maintain that this is the wrong store in the wrong place."Thanks for the support!
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Three Levels of Unpopularity
The papers today are full of opposition to Tesco....
1) In Norwich, the Evening News reports that over 200 people have written in to object to Tesco's fourth application for a store in Unthank Road.
2) The Highland News in Inverness reports on Tesco's plans to further increase its current 50% share of the grocery market in the city with another Express store. (Tesco may be in a hurry here as this is the sort of situation the Competition Commission is set against!)
3) The Evesham Journal tells of fears for increased traffic and local job losses if another Tesco Express is allowed to open in Cheltenham Road.
1) In Norwich, the Evening News reports that over 200 people have written in to object to Tesco's fourth application for a store in Unthank Road.
2) The Highland News in Inverness reports on Tesco's plans to further increase its current 50% share of the grocery market in the city with another Express store. (Tesco may be in a hurry here as this is the sort of situation the Competition Commission is set against!)
3) The Evesham Journal tells of fears for increased traffic and local job losses if another Tesco Express is allowed to open in Cheltenham Road.
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Petition Is Still Growing - Approaching 5,500!
We've not mentioned this for a while, but our petition against Tesco is still growing! Since we reached 5,000 in June we've not been out collecting signatures but a number of loyal retailers threatened by Tesco have kept the numbers up by putting petition forms on their counters. We've also had a small but steady stream of online signatures.
The current total is 5,087 signatures on paper and 383 online - making 5, 470!
Thanks to you all. If you've not signed up, please use the links on the right to download a form or to sign up online. If you have signed the petition, don't sign again, but please send us your contact details or keep visiting this site so we can update you on other actions you can take. Frustratingly, we're waiting for Tesco to formally start its consultation before we can start objecting again!
The current total is 5,087 signatures on paper and 383 online - making 5, 470!
Thanks to you all. If you've not signed up, please use the links on the right to download a form or to sign up online. If you have signed the petition, don't sign again, but please send us your contact details or keep visiting this site so we can update you on other actions you can take. Frustratingly, we're waiting for Tesco to formally start its consultation before we can start objecting again!
Saturday, 3 November 2007
Kissman goes into battle in Britain's Smallest Town
OK, the main part of this story in the Independent is about the ongoing fight of local people to preserve the town of Manningtree from the 12th Tesco within 10 miles of the town, but we're excited to see that Tesco's Michael Kissman (the man who won't return our phone calls or meet us) is now getting into the national press!
Tesco wants to build a 30,000 ft store in the town, prompting Jenny Hawley, chair of the Stour Community First pressure group to argue,
"A lot of independent shops have already been lost and while there are fewer than there were 20 years ago you can still do all your shopping on the high street."
Kissman's reponse is fairly standard stuff and similar to his St Albans comments - you'd think he would try something new some time.
The vast majority of people support it and the majority of traders do too. The reality of Manningtree is that people are driving to do their shopping somewhere else."
Perhaps once the people of Manningtree survey local people and traders they'll find the same story as St Albans - the vast majority of both groups oppose Tesco! And to his second point, we've found here that the people who 'drive to do their shopping elsewhere' are almost entirely those who drive past supermarkets on their way to or from work...
Tesco wants to build a 30,000 ft store in the town, prompting Jenny Hawley, chair of the Stour Community First pressure group to argue,
"A lot of independent shops have already been lost and while there are fewer than there were 20 years ago you can still do all your shopping on the high street."
Kissman's reponse is fairly standard stuff and similar to his St Albans comments - you'd think he would try something new some time.
The vast majority of people support it and the majority of traders do too. The reality of Manningtree is that people are driving to do their shopping somewhere else."
Perhaps once the people of Manningtree survey local people and traders they'll find the same story as St Albans - the vast majority of both groups oppose Tesco! And to his second point, we've found here that the people who 'drive to do their shopping elsewhere' are almost entirely those who drive past supermarkets on their way to or from work...
Competition Commission Findings In - Have the Supermarkets Escaped?
Wednesday's findings from the Competition Commission enquiry into the UK grocery market have taken some digestion (like past-it's-sell-by-date meat?).
The main findings were reported by lots of media outlets - this article from the Daily Telegraph is fairly representative. Although the report is only an interim one, there appear to be two main steps that will be taken against supermarket domination - supermarkets will be assessed on their market share of local towns, and some form of ombudsdman will be introduced to try to sort out relationships between supermarkets and their suppliers. Against this, it looks like, as predicted, the local 'needs test' will be removed from development.
The first of these - local market shares - does look set to affect Tesco in a number of areas and benefit some anti-Tesco campaigns. The Cambridge Evening News reports that Tesco, which has a 51% share of the local grocery market, may face greater opposition in its plans for a further store in Mill Road. However, we're worried that the removal of the 'needs test' may give Tesco a great advantage over the planning system where it does not dominate the local market.
Some commentators were not happy with the Competition Commission report. Andrew Simms, policy director at the New Economics Foundation think tank, told icWales,
The main findings were reported by lots of media outlets - this article from the Daily Telegraph is fairly representative. Although the report is only an interim one, there appear to be two main steps that will be taken against supermarket domination - supermarkets will be assessed on their market share of local towns, and some form of ombudsdman will be introduced to try to sort out relationships between supermarkets and their suppliers. Against this, it looks like, as predicted, the local 'needs test' will be removed from development.
The first of these - local market shares - does look set to affect Tesco in a number of areas and benefit some anti-Tesco campaigns. The Cambridge Evening News reports that Tesco, which has a 51% share of the local grocery market, may face greater opposition in its plans for a further store in Mill Road. However, we're worried that the removal of the 'needs test' may give Tesco a great advantage over the planning system where it does not dominate the local market.
Some commentators were not happy with the Competition Commission report. Andrew Simms, policy director at the New Economics Foundation think tank, told icWales,
“[The Competition Commission] came to a conclusion that will increase the collective dominance of supermarkets. We need more supermarkets like Richard Branson needs more publicity.”
Have your say on the Competition Commission in our new poll (top right).
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