‘Listen to objections’ (From Basingstoke Gazette)

‘Listen to objections’

9:30am Monday 18th June 2012 in Letters

Sir.–I was disappointed to read Councillor Steve Day’s letter regarding Tesco’s planning application. I am a resident of Brighton Hill and I do not support Tesco’s application.

Mr Day identifies himself as a councillor but his letters appears to contain personal views. Mr Day is equally entitled to express his opinions as any other citizen, but his job as councillor is to represent his constituents.

I contacted my councillor, David Eyre, who said: “I shall be representing the majority view of residents, which remains firmly against this application”.

I have lived in Brighton Hill since 2000 and remember the run-down Brighton Hill Parade. ASDA regenerated the area when it desperately needed it and has continued to be a positive presence in our community.

ASDA is “over shopped”, but should we penalise success and commitment to our community by allowing their viability to be threatened? What guarantees are there that Tesco will keep two superstores open in Basingstoke and are we sure ASDA would survive? Where would the 350 net gain in jobs be then? Can the altered road plans solve the increased traffic problems?

I don’t have a voice on the planning committee – I rely on my councillors to speak on my behalf. Mr Day: please listen to everyone in the area who opposes this application.

–Julia Smith, Schubert Road, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke.

Sir.–I note the letter in the May 24 edition of The Gazette from Grove Ward Lib-Dem Councillor Steve Day, who supports Tesco’s proposals for a new store on the old Smiths Industries site.

I am unclear if the view expressed by Cllr Day is a personal one, one that represents his constituents in Grove Ward, one that represents the view of Basingstoke Lib-Dem councillors, or the council.

I understood from previously reported information that surveys conducted by other Lib-Dem councillors had shown a significant negative response to Tesco’s proposals. I must deduce that the view expressed in the letter is a purely personal one.

From the latest revised proposals by Tesco to create a “throughabout” at the Brighton Hill Roundabout to address some of the many traffic-related issues of their planning application, it seems the company is quite willing to throw money at the project. Perhaps if the council stalls further, Tesco will pay to build a flyover at the Winchester Road Roundabout?

In my opinion, the letter’s headline “Store will bring lots of benefits” seems slightly misleading as only two benefits are referred to – 350 local jobs (which is valid if Tesco’s Chineham store remains open), and road network improvements (which might only be needed if a new store is built).

–Allan Palmer,Basingstoke.

Sir.–I continue to be alarmed that so many people are being seduced by Tesco’s proposal to upgrade the Brighton Hill Roundabout – all on the back of, it seems, the chain's claim that they will bring 350 new jobs to the area.

Those of us who have a basic grasp of economics will know that the Basingstoke unemployment numbers would not fall magically by the same number. If Tesco’s development goes ahead, they will draw customers from surrounding businesses, who will either contract, or close down.

Is this what we really want? Be careful what you wish for...

–Hugh Sawyer, Hackwood Road, Basingstoke.