Out-of-town store could be blocked in Ulverston
Last updated at 14:38, Monday, 31 December 2012
MOVES to build a new supermarket on the outskirts of Ulverston look set to be blocked.
Sainsbury’s has applied to South Lakeland District Council for permission to build a store off the A590 at the end of Lightburn Road.
And Cumbria County Council is to discuss the plans this week as a statutory consultee.
The county council’s development control and regulation committee meets in Kendal on Thursday, and members of the committee are being recommended to object to the proposals in favour of the former Robinson’s brewery site, where there are also plans for a supermarket to be built.
In a report prepared for the meeting, the council’s assistant director for planning and sustainability, Paul Feehily, said a strategic objection should be raised.
He said: “There are sequentially preferable sites in proximity to Ulverston town centre, one of which is subject to a current planning application at Brewery Street, which should be given preference first, before favourable consideration could be given to the application site at Lightburn Road.”
An objection will also be raised as the council believes the development will conflict with its long-term employment plans for Ulverston.
SLDC is also being recommended to examine the long-term effects of having the supermarket outside the town.
Mr Feehily said: “It is recommended that SLDC should carry out an independent assessment of the likely retail impacts of the proposed Sainsbury’s foodstore development, having regard also to the proposed site at Brewery Street, before a conclusive view on the impact of the development upon the vitality and viability of Ulverston can be taken.”
Councillor Colin Pickthall, chairman of Keep Ulverston Special, said the lobby group would continue to fight plans for any supermarket in Ulverston, but said an out-of-town development would be of more danger to town centre trade.
First published at 13:08, Sunday, 30 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
All of these arm-chair experts commenting here, from both sides, why aren't you on the council fighting for your cause? It's been discussed for over a year now, closer to two in fact, you could've been elected and showed them who's boss. Except it'd mean getting out of that arm-chair wouldn't it? Pathetic.
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Excellent comment Johnno. Agree with every word. Although, I am probably what you would call an "off comer", we're not all the same you know. ;)
The town needs a boost like this to give the place a kick up the wotsit. If whichever store 'wins' and the independents work together instead of fighting each other it will benefit everyone.Posted by A forward thinking 'off comer' on 15 January 2013 at 00:08