MP opposes Ulverston store plans
Last updated at 16:47, Tuesday, 13 November 2012
TWO proposed supermarkets for Ulverston are both too big, according to opponents.
Revised plans for a town centre store, on the old Robinson’s brewery site, went on show on Friday, with developers saying its location made it the best choice for a supermarket in town.
A planning application submitted by Sainsbury’s for a supermarket just off Lightburn Road has been heavily criticised by some for its out of town location.
But pressure group Keep Ulverston Special said the size of the proposed Robinson’s supermarket – almost identical to Sainsbury’s – made it a threat to smaller town centre stores.
Town councillor Colin Pickthall, chairman of Keep Ulverston Special, said: “We are extremely disappointed that the revised plan is still for such a huge store – and still twice the size that the recent retail assessment for SLDC said Ulverston could accommodate.
“It would be overwhelming for the town and particularly overwhelming for the immediate neighbourhood.”
He also raised concerns over the secrecy surrounding the future occupants of the site.
So far, developers have been unwilling to identify which supermarkets have shown an interest in taking over the building if it were to go ahead.
However, Mr Pickthall welcomed plans to renovate Brewery Street and Buxton Place car parks and said the new designs for the building’s exterior were an improvement.
Meanwhile, Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock has added his voice to the growing opposition to the Sainsbury’s plans.
In a letter to planners he raised concerns over increased traffic as a result of the development, potential flooding problems and the impact on town centre traders.
Mr Woodcock added: “I believe there are enough legitimate reasons to refuse planning consent and hope these will be taken into account.”
First published at 16:04, Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
do we all still have to go to barrow , or will we be able to shop on our own town if they bbuild the two super markets
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All those "Keep Ulverston Old Fashioned" crew should be named and then when they dare to even cross the threshold of one of the new future stores, they should be named and shamed in the Evening Mail- hypocrites! The same lot that winged about Booths and now shop there! tut
And, Woodcock can keep his nose out of Ulverston business. He probably just wants more trade done in Barrow to make his tenure look good!
I'm fed up of travelling to Barrow to shop and there are many more families who are too! Ulverston needs competition and value for money, and if the local shops can't compete with that then TOUGH! I have children to feed and no money to waste.
Posted by UlverstonianBorn&Bred on 23 November 2012 at 00:56