Thousands oppose plan for superstore

More than 2,000 residents and businesses around Easingwold, near York, are fiercely against the proposals for a superstore which would cover more than 2,000sqm of the former Falcon Office Furniture site, claiming it will damage the area’s character and have a “devastating effect” on the town centre and market square.

The Retail Development Partnership, which has submitted the application which also includes a 130-space car park at the site, claims it will create jobs and provide more shopping options for residents.

It has not yet been confirmed which supermarket chain would operate the store if it is approved.

Since the planning application was submitted late last year, a campaign group called Keep Easingwold Special has formed and held a number of public meetings.

Letters have also been written to a number of councillors, planners, MPs and Prime Minister David Cameron, whose parents-in-law, Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield, live at Sutton Park, in nearby Sutton-on-the-Forest.

It is hoped a similar momentum can be built up as with the current high-profile campaign to oppose the supermarket plans in nearby Malton led by broadcaster Selina Scott, where more than 50 of the region’s oldest-established and prominent families, along with leading public figures and business people, have put their names to an open letter in protest.

Keep Easingwold Special’s next public meeting will be held on Monday, January 23, at Easingwold’s Galtres Centre, starting at 7pm, with Hambleton District Council planning officers and North Yorkshire County Council highways officers present.

No date for a decision on the application has been set.