Councillor’s Ian Selby has written this open letter to planning chairman Coun Martin Wilkins about his concerns about the proposal to turn the Cherry Tree pub into a Tesco.
Here is his letter in full:
I am writing to you to express serious concerns about proposed plans by Tesco to turn the Cherry Tree Public House, on Harrowby Lane, Grantham into a new Tesco Express store.
I am informed by planning officers that a change of use planning application is NOT required for this to take place, however Tesco’s are required to submit a planning application for a change in the signage that they would need.
Personally I find it difficult to believe that this is NOT a significant change of use for this building. I have spoken to my fellow ward colleague Cllr Bruce Wells and he totally agrees with me and also neighbouring ward colleague Cllr George Chivers also shares the same view.
There are other major implications with a proposed Tesco Express store. These serious issues are highways, with clearly an increase in traffic especially heavy haulage. The Harrowby Lane in question is already very heavily congested and there is concerns for the Belton Lane Primary School just yards up the road from this proposed new store.
The local residents will also not have any opportunity to raise their concerns if NO application is required. Furthermore, it should be noted that we already have a nearby Co-operative store, but I accept that issue is not a planning reason for refusing any such proposed new store.
I am therefore asking you if you would kindly look into this issue as a matter of urgency to see if the information I have been given is correct that Tesco’s do not require planning permission to undertake this change of use. Also would you enquire with planning officers to see if there is any other positive action that can be taken to address these concerns that we have.
Is the change of signage the only opportunity for any objections with this proposal ? I am therefore requesting that this issue is taken before the planning committee for them to deliberate over this item.
I look forward to your response. Would you also kindly acknowledge safe receipt of this email.
Thank you very much.
Yours sincerely
Cllr Ian Selby
Harrowby Ward
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