The objections to this monsterous proposal mount.
Objection Letter sent by Emsworth Business Association
Mrs Jackie Batchelor
Head of Development& Technical Services
Havant Borough Council
Civic Offices
HAVANT
PO9 2AX
2nd October 2007.
Dear Mrs. Batchelor,
The Emsworth Business Association [EBA] has serious concerns regarding the application by Tesco Stores Ltd to massively extend their Havant facility. Whilst the EBA represents independent small businesses in Emsworth, we fear the negative impact this development [if permitted] will have on the viability of small businesses in Havant Town centre and indeed Hayling Island.
One of the laudable objectives set out in the current Havant Borough District-Wide Local Plan [HBDWLP] is to "generate a variety of activity in local areas close to housing etc" and of course to ensure the towns and shop/business centres survive and thrive. Proponents of this application will say this development brings more jobs to the borough, but against this it is certain that many businesses and therefore jobs in the smaller independent sector will disappear.
The current expansion plans set out by Tesco will mean that they will provide all the services that you might expect to find in a village or small town under one roof. The location of the store on the edge of Havant town centre will in addition affect the long term viability of Emsworth and Hayling.
The HBDWLP also sets out to ensure that further development in the Borough is "sustainable" and in line with national / strategic policies which aim to reduce people's dependence on the motor car and improve the environment. The small towns and village centres in the Borough will be mortally wounded if permission is granted. This will lead to more car journeys, more congestion with a resulting huge negative impact on our environment.
Other planning authorities in England and Wales have shown great courage in stemming the march by Tesco to dominate in urban areas by refusing applications where the impact will affect existing independent retailers. The EBA hopes your Authority will "say no" to further expansion of the Tesco store.
Yours sincerely,
Brendan Gibb-Gray.
Chair EBA Committee,
6 Chequers Quay,
Queen Street,
Emsworth,
PO10 7AD.
Write or email your views to the HBC planning office
The planning application reference is 06/58840/014 and it can be viewed HERE on Havant Council's web site. type or paste the application number into the first box and click search. To view the details click the application number in the pale green box on the next screen.
The deadline for comments is 18th October but the officer may accept later submissions. You can send your comments to Havant Council by email or post . Address and email HERE
The main government policy documents relating to the application referred to in Havant Borough District Wide Local Plan are PPS1 (delivering sustainable development) referred to by HBC here and PPS6 (maintaining the vitality of town and local centres) referred to by HBC here another guideline used by HBC is PPG13 (on transport) referred to by HBC here, of the the . There other relevant sections of the plan.
Objection must be material to the planning application. You can apply to form a deputation to address coucillors when they consider the matter on 1st November.