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Critics hit out at 'inappropriate' Aylesbury ASDA store plans
ASDA's proposal for a new store near Stoke Mandeville Hospital is unnecessary and could cause the closure of an essential community post office, its critics have claimed.
The supermarket giant has submitted a planning application for its 20 million shop on Lower Road – but while its proposal gained support at a public exhibition in March, Aylesbury Town Council and many local residents have now formally stated their objections to the scheme.
ATC's planning committee says the planned building is "far too large" for the site and is "inappropriate in a suburban setting".
Lower Road is "totally unsuitable for the increased traffic and large delivery vehicles associated with a supermarket". It also argues that the Co-op food store in Harvey Road, which contains a post office, might be put at risk by the arrival of the larger store.
"We understand that ASDA do not intend to provide a post office, but will their supermarket put that small store out of business?" it asks.
"The town council considers this local post office to be an essential service, which has survived the Post Office's own reorganisation plans, and should not be put at risk."
Residents who live nearby are also concerned about the scale of the development and its impact on smaller retailers.
Dr David Richardson, from Kynaston Avenue, said: "There are numerous equivalent or larger stores within about two miles, and therefore little justification for another. Local shops will be badly affected by such high volume/ low cost competition, particularly the Co-op and associated post office."
The more than 20 objections from residents also claim that an ASDA store would create more traffic and parking problems, increased noise pollution and lead to more rubbish including abandoned trolleys.
Rex Taylor, of Braddenham Walk, adds that the view from his home of the proposed building would be "hideous". He has created an artist's impression of what he believes the store would look like from his garden. (Click on the gallery to view Mr Taylor's cartoon impression in a larger size).
ASDA has labelled its proposed supermarket as a 'neighbourhood store' and expects it to create up to 250 retail jobs.
Chris Marlow, property communications manager at ASDA, said: "We welcome all feedback from both the public and local representatives. Visitors to the two-day public exhibition in March were, overall, very positive about our plans for the site and comment cards returned to ASDA show that 77 per cent of those that registered a view support the proposal."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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