Rethink on Tesco's superstore welcome
16th July 2007
Today, Michael Kissman, Corporate Affairs Manager at Tesco, gave Anne Main details of a substantial revision of proposals for the London Road site.
Today, Michael Kissman, Corporate Affairs Manager at Tesco, gave Anne Main details of a substantial revision of proposals for the London Road site.
Following the briefing, Anne said:
"I am pleased that Tesco is prepared to go back to the drawing board on this, in light of the volume of local concern about the size and impact of a potential massive superstore on this site.
"I was of the opinion that the loss of characterful houses, which are part of St Albans' architectural heritage, was an act of vandalism that indicated scant regard for the local area. It is welcome that Tesco have taken this on board and the implication is that the proposal will now be significantly reduced as a result.
"Any significant reduction in the footage of the proposed supermarket and a lessening of impact on the viability of other shops in St Albans is welcome, but these new proposals will have to be closely scrutinised, and the retail needs survey must still be a vital part of that scrutiny.
"I am still concerned about the impact on local roads of a supermarket on this site and the loss of a potential brownfield development site which could help deliver a significant amount of extra housing. I urge the Council to listen carefully to local residents on this matter""