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Waitrose verdict divides village

Chris Hudson
14/ 5/2008

LINES have been drawn in the Poynton sand following MBC’s decision to give Waitrose the green light.

The new supermarket, planned for a 16,000 sq ft site on Park Lane, has been a contentious issue ever since it was first mooted by builders Kimberley Developments. And, a week after the controversial planning decision, protesters are not backing down.

Poynton Against Large Supermarkets (PALS) sent a 2,600 name petition to the council, hoping to persuade planning chiefs to reject the application.

But others, including local traders, support the store because of its "prestigious" status, and they argue it will fuel redevelopment.

Angela Smith, 48, who owns Recollections Antiques on Park Lane, said: "Most people can’t get what they need in Poynton so they have to go elsewhere. This will keep people in the village and that will be good for all of the shop owners. Waitrose is prestigious and it will spark investment."

She said traffic concerns were unfounded because developers will be making improvements to the junction surrounding the store.

Angela added: "To think they can go to the ombudsman is just arrogant – they don’t speak for everyone."

Stephen Houston, spokesman for PALS, said: "We were prepared for the worst, but the approval did come as a surprise. They have made changes to the application when requested, but they are just cosmetic, the problem of traffic still remains and the impact of the building will still be there.

"Also, we are worried about Poynton being made a secondary town by Cheshire County Council – further developments like this could happen."

Paul Bellis is a councillor in Bramhall, near Cheadle Hulme, where a Waitrose supermarket has been built.

He said: "It encourages others to invest in the area. I often go through Poynton and I think it could do with a little bit of regeneration, Waitrose will provide this."

The decision has also divided councillors, with Coun Chris Beard vehemently opposed to the plans, which he says will cause extra traffic, while Coun Roger West argued the designs had been done "with care".

Philip Pearce, director of Kimberley Developments, said: "We are delighted that the local authority and councillors have approved our application and would like to thank the residents and businesses of Poynton for all the support we’ve received to date.

"Waitrose prides itself on its partnership approach to business and we will continue to work with the local community to ensure that we address any outstanding concerns.

"We firmly believe that the proposed new food shop will help the local economy, retaining a far larger percentage of the grocery spend which is currently travelling elsewhere.

"It will also encourage more linked trips around the rest of the village, which can only be of benefit to local businesses and the community.

"The development proposals represent a significant investment and vote of confidence in the future of Poynton as a vibrant village community."


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(2)


Most recent 2 of 2 user comments

   Agreed, these protesters have too much time on their hands, if they cant see Poynton for what it is; a place that had its day in the 60's and 70's and is in decline unless something is done. Am pretty sure the majority of PALS are 50+, set in their ways, retired/semi-retired who view Poynton with rose tinted glasses. They need to get with the programme, embrace change and look at the benefits. A Waitrose will actually give people a good reason to visit Poynton as opposed to just driving through it on the way somewhere else as is the case now.
The Satisfied Customer
23/05/2008 at 07:57
   Firstly, 2600 signatures is not the majority of Poynton residents, secondly Poynton is starting to look tired and needs an upmarket store to attract more people and therefore money into Poynton. Perhaps those who protest would like to try and raise the money to tidy up the corner where Waitrose is planning to develop.
Geoff King
16/05/2008 at 17:22
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