'People power' helps win the fight against new Tesco store
Overjoyed campaigners say that "people power" has saved a local shopping parade from ruin after plans to build a new store in Woodside were rejected.
Business owners on Woodside Green feared that a Tesco Express was going to be built just doors away from their shops, potentially crippling their trade.
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DELIGHTED: Shopkeeper Anil Patel with his petition
Croydon Council received a planning application from Asprey Homes to demolish The Beehive pub and replace it with a retail unit along with five flats, eight houses and parking.
With rumours rife that Tesco was the store looking to move into the development, Anil Patel launched a petition opposing the proposals.
And the 52-year-old owner of Woodside Green's Londis store managed to collect more than 700 signatures in a month.
After hearing that the council had turned down the application last week he is jubilant.
"People power has definitely come into this situation," he said. "Especially the support we had from our loyal customers.
"We collected 700 signatures which clearly showed they were fully behind us.
"I don't want the pub to go. I want something to be there that would be more beneficial to the community.
"As a business person I don't want any place to shut down and become empty and derelict.
"We would appeal to any pub chains to continue the business. People in the community would welcome it."
Shopkeepers feared that a Tesco Express would have had a devastating impact on local businesses in Woodside.
Concerns were also raised that the development would cause more traffic problems in an already clogged-up area.
The campaign won the support of Woodside councillor Karen Jewitt.
"I'm really pleased that a building that is part of the structure of Woodside Green will be left as it is," she said.
"This is a perfect example of a community coming together on a single issue.
"The support of the retailers and residents who signed the petition helped a lot."
Planning officers ruled that the proposals would have resulted in an overdevelopment of the site which would have affected the character of the area.
They also said that a new retail store would have overshadowed the small shopping parade and would have had a negative impact on the other businesses in Woodside.
Asprey Homes now has six months to lodge an appeal against the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.
Nobody from Asprey Homes was available for comment before the Advertiser went to press.
12 Comments
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by Mark Johnson, Woodside Conservatives Action Team
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 11:32AM
“"I just hope that some Labour Government pen-pusher doesnt allow Asprey Homes to push this through on appeal. Mr Patel and I are glad that this planning application was turned down but we need to remember that this fight is not over. "
Remember what I said. Asprey Homes have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol. There will be a public hearing that as many Woodside residents should attend as possible. I will keep you informed. It is now in the hands of a "Labour Government pen-pusher" as I described them. This just proves I was right all along.”
by Veronica, Woodside
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 1:14AM
“The importance of this planning application and the impact it could have on Woodside Green is getting lost in your petty point making Mark. I am not getting into that with you as its a complete waste of time. We need everyones support and I for one am glad to have the Councils regardless of politics.”
by Mark, Woodside
Monday, January 25 2010, 5:15PM
“Veronica said'Trying to gain political points on resident¿s fears and livelihoods is just not on.' Yes thats what Karen Jewitt is trying to do.
Anyone who read my comments in an objective way without being influenced by Labour propaganda would come to that conclusion Veronica.
Its a shame that it took over a month for our Labour cllrs to ome to our communities aid. While Mr Patel was fighting for the future of Woodside Karan Jewitt and co were too busy playing fluffing their own nests. Thank God some of us give a damn about this community. I unlike Cllr Jewitt, live in Woodside and will do whatever is needed to make it a better place to live in. I'm just sorry if doing that upsets a few Labour Party members or Labour voters.”
by Veronica, Woodside
Sunday, January 24 2010, 4:29PM
“Mark, I also don¿t care what party supports this as long as the community does. If you read what Cllr Karen Jewitt says "This is a perfect example of a community coming together on a single issue¿ that is exactly what we want to hear, the Councillor praising the whole community and not just herself. I am just glad that those Councillors already elected from both sides of the political spectrum decided to use common sense and work together to deny this application. Something I feel you have no idea how to do. Trying to gain political points on resident¿s fears and livelihoods is just not on.
If you spoke for 10mins to a reporter who then did not report what you had to say it just begs the question did you have anything to add or were you just interested in a slagging match as on here. And may I say your comments on the other article regarding this issue were childish to say the least. Take your ball and go home, no one, not least the electorate is remotely interested in this kind of politics.
I have not made up my mind who I am going to vote for yet, you and your comments are rapidly helping me rule out one party.”
by Fruitbat, South Norwood
Friday, January 22 2010, 4:56PM
“For the truth about Tesco bullies visit Tescopoly.org
"Every little hurts"”