Sainsbury's gets green light in Hythe
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by Tricia Jamieson
Controversial plans for a multimillion-pound Sainsbury's
superstore at a small Kent town have finally got the go-ahead.
Work should start soon on transforming the former Smiths Medical
Industries site in Military Road, Hythe, into a 5,573 sq m
supermarket with parking for 267 vehicles.
Opponents to the scheme had expressed concern about the size of
the building, the need for it, and the effect on the nearby High
Street.
But Sainsbury’s says 63 per cent of Hythe people leave the town
to shop and it wants to stop that.
Shepway council's development control committee voted by nine to
four in favour of the scheme.
After the meeting Harriet Houlihan, Sainsbury’s development
surveyor for the south east, said: "Not only will the proposals
deliver increased food shopping choice for Hythe residents, but
they will also help to revitalise this part of town and create a
significant number of new jobs.
"We look forward to work starting on site shortly."
David Plumstead, of Shepway Environment and Community Network,
which had opposed the plans, said: "I am shocked by the decision
and the lack of seriousness and attention the councillors gave to
the information that was before them."
The plans had earlier been deferred by the committee for
Sainsbury’s to look again at the impact on homes in Military
Terrace, whether the location of the store and car park could be
switched around, staff parking, the impact on town-centre shops,
and the design.
Planning consultant Dr Wendy Le-Las, speaking on behalf of
objectors, described the store as a "monstrosity".
She said shoppers would not walk into town to use the High
Street as Sainsbury’s would undercut prices.
However, Sezen Zeki, from the Channel Chamber of Commerce, spoke
in favour of the supermarket and said it was good for people
looking for work as about 300 jobs would be created.
Permission was granted subject to a number of conditions,
including Sainsbury’s providing funding for double glazing in
Military Terrace and encouraging linked trips to the High
Street.
Thursday, December 17 2009
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