Timpson site gains approval at Princes Risborough superstore despite 'very strong' opposition

The new kiosk will be placed next to the store on Longwick Road, after being approved at the West Buckinghamshire planning committee on Wednesday.

This is despite fierce opposition from residents and politicians, including Mid-Buckinghamshire MP Greg Smith who objected to the scheme. He said: “If permission is granted for the above application it will be another reason for customer drift towards centralised supermarket shopping at the expense of independent retailers in the High Street.”

Heather Smith, a council officer, said the purpose of the new kiosk would include: key cutting, dry cleaning, shoe repair, jewellery repair, watch repairs and engraving.

Ms Smith said: “So the kiosk itself measures 6.5 metres wide, 2.54 metres high, and is only 2.2 metres deep. It’s proposed, the opening hours of the kiosk are Monday to Saturday nine till 6 pm, and Sundays 10 am to 4 pm.

Conservative Cllr’s for Princes Risborough Gary Hall and Matthew Walsh spoke against the plans at the meeting. Cllr Hall said: “There’s a lot of community concern regarding this application. I know there’s a petition gone in.

“I know these are not material considerations. I’ve sat where you are. I understand completely. Our MP Greg Smith has led a campaign as well as Matthew and I and the public have reacted very strongly, so I’d like you to think about the weight of public opinion on this.

“It will compete with an existing business almost entirely and the risk of a long-standing existing business going bust is very real. This porta cabin is an eyesore. It’s not going to look good. It’s not going to complement the area at all. I think that is grounds to refuse this application.”

Cllr Walsh warned if the application was approved it would result in “genuine damage” to the viability of the town centre. I can tell you as a regular user of Tesco’s alongside Gary that the existing car park cannot keep up with the volumes that it already has”, Cllr Walsh added.

“For these reasons and on behalf of the 2 ,232 people as of yesterday night who have signed this petition, we urge you to reject this application.”

Cllr Clive Harriss, who sits on the planning committee said: “For me, I have a real problem with seeing such a vibrant high street taking a good kicking.

“And so I find it difficult to okay this on that basis, the fact that the impact on the high street is too great.”

Fellow committee member Michael West, added: “I sympathise with all town councils who are trying to create and retain vibrant high streets at the moment and it is a difficult job to do.

“I cannot see that it is the role of this planning committee or any planning committee to protect one business from competition elsewhere. Quite frankly I do not believe there is a material planning consideration that would cause us to vote against the recommendation of the officers in this case.”

Members agreed to accept the officers recommendation which was to approve the application.