Traders angry as supermarket granted planning permission

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new supermarket in south-east Sheffield were given the go-ahead yesterday as tensions ran high at a packed planning committee meeting.

Asda had applied to build a new supermarket close to Crystal Peaks shopping centre, on the former Home Decor Innovations site off Beighton Road East.

The Leeds-based supermarket giant said the new store would create up to 400 jobs, bringing a “major financial boost” to the area, and also create more choice for shoppers.

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Acting on the advice of city planning officers, councillors yesterday voted by a large majority to approve Asda’s planning application.

However, the decision was met with anger from not just nearby residents and local traders, but also rival supermarket firm Tesco, which had its own plans for a new store at Halfway turned down by the same planning board earlier this year.

Tesco has already not only appealed against Sheffield Council’s decision, but has also submitted revised plans for the new store, off Oxclose Way, in the hope that the new planning application is agreed and the appeal hearing can be called off.

One of those opposing Asda’s plans was local resident Celia Jackson, who told yesterday’s meeting of Sheffield Council’s city centre, south and east planning board: “What I’m concerned about is that Asda will take away footfall from Crystal Peaks.

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“There are people in there, but they’re not spending as much. Small shops are closing, market stalls are closing, and I’m concerned that we’ll lose the hub that is the centre of the Mosborough townships.”

Patrick Moon, an independent retailer in Hackenthorpe, said he was concerned that the new Asda would take trade away from small local businesses.

Mr Moon, who brought a petition bearing 600 signatures opposing the development to the meeting, said: “They say they will create 400 new jobs, but at what cost? All of the three supermarkets in the area will be fighting for the same customers.”

Set to open in 2014, the new Asda development will incorporate a large superstore, a petrol station and 446 parking spaces for shoppers. There will also be environmentally-friendly features such as charging points for electric vehicles.

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Prior to the new store being constructed, however, Asda will pay for a new factory to be built for Sheffield-based manufacturing firm Home Decor Innovations, which is the current tenant on the site.

Max Crosby-Browne, chief executive of Home Decor Innovations, told yesterday’s meeting: “Our current building is more than 20 years old and is no longer fit for purpose.

“The proposed site is around two miles from our current location, which will allow us to move all of our current staff there.

“This is a remarkable opportunity for us and we’re excited about it.”

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The new premises for Home Decor Innovation will be built by Sheffield-based construction firm JF Finnegan, which anticipates it will take on around 100 new members of staff to carry out the work.

Among those councillors to vote in favour of Asda’s proposals was Coun Peter Price, who said: “When I look at Morrisons in Hillsborough I don’t see the impact on the local shops that was being claimed – I think it brought Hillsborough to life.

“This idea that supermarkets kill areas, I’m not sure it necessarily follows.”

Asda’s senior property communications manager, Philip Bartram, welcomed the council’s decision.

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He said: “We’re delighted with today’s decision and think it reflects the wider view of the community. There were 170 letters of support submitted prior to the meeting.

“This will be a positive thing for the local economy as we will be creating up to 400 jobs.

“But it will also allow Home Decor to relocate and grow their existing manufacturing business.

“Additionally, Finnegans will be building the relocated site, creating more jobs.”

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Prior to yesterday’s committee meeting, Mr Bartram said that it was “very evident” that “local shoppers want more choice and competition, which is always a good thing for consumers”.

He added: “ Up to 400 new jobs for local people is also clearly seen as hugely beneficial to the area, delivering a major financial boost to south-east Sheffield for many years to come.”