Date set for inquiry into plans for Tesco store

A DATE has now been set for a public inquiry into controversial plans to build a new Tesco store in Commonside, Sheffield.

Sheffield Council's planning board turned down the application from the supermarket giant in 2007 and again last year, on the grounds of lack of parking, concerns about road safety and the possible impact of noise on neighbours.

However, Tesco appealed against the board's decision and a planning inspector will now reconsider the application at a two-day inquiry, beginning on Wednesday, May 12 at 10am.

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Councillor Paul Scriven, leader of Sheffield Council, said: "A new Tesco store in this location could be the death knell for the local shopping centre and cause untold extra traffic, road safety and parking problems in the area for local residents.

"The message has to go out loud and clear to the planning inspectorate that local people are saying no to Tesco at Commonside.

"We have already successfully put our case to planning boards twice. Now we will have to do it again to the planning inspectorate in May.

"I have already submitted my objection so I hope that local people will be listened to."

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Tesco's plans relate to the derelict former Hollies petrol station site in Springvale Road, which lies close to the junction between Springvale Road, Upperthorpe, Commonside and Howard Road. Roads in the area are also regularly used by children walking to and from Westways primary school in nearby Mona Road.

Objections have come from councillors from across the political spectrum.

Green Party councillor Bernard Little, who lives in the area,

said: "Tesco's last application was rightly turned down last year. The circumstances haven't changed since then.

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"The area has many local and independent shops, some of them owned by local people. They would be seriously affected by this Tesco store. There's a good local community spirit at present. We want to keep it that way."