Tesco has won approval to open an Express store at Idle, Bradford, in the face of fierce resistance
Despite petitions signed by 551 residents against the new shop, Bradford Council planners have approved a resubmitted request for the single-storey convenience store to be built in the car park of The George Hotel on Leeds Road.
“This is very, very disappointing from the point of view of locals,” said ward councillor Alun Griffiths (Lib Dem Idle & Thackley).
“There was a huge outcry when the first application was put in for two reasons – firstly, the effect on all the other independent shops in the village, and, secondly, it will be on what is already a very dangerous junction.
“Sadly the planning committee have now chosen to approve it.
Last January Coun Griffiths presented a 360-strong petition to the Council on behalf of shopkeepers Thakor and Manjula Patel who run the nearby T&V Off Licence and News, in Fourlands Road. And Tesco’s original proposal was rejected.
Coun Griffiths said he was sure residents would stay loyal to the wide range of shops already in the village.
“Idle is a thriving village which already has everything people need,” he said.
“I gather this Tesco Express will be a slightly smaller version of what was first suggested.
“It will be open from early till late and will be aimed at picking up passing trade – for drivers to pop in and pick up a bottle of wine and a meal for the night on their way home,” Coun Griffiths said.
Council officers recommended that area planners approve the new shop, despite objections by people in the area which included claims that:
* there was no need for another retail shop which would take business from local shops
* late-night opening and the sale of cheap alcohol could cause anti-social behaviour
* traffic problems at the Hemmingway Road and Leeds Road junction could increase.
A Tesco’s spokesman said it had listened to people’s concerns and adapted its planning application to provide a store which would prove to be popular.