Anger over new Tesco store plan

By dblackmore exclusive david blackmore david.blackmore@essnmedia.co.uk

Anger has erupted in Ashtead over Tesco's fresh bid to bring a store to the village.

The supermarket giant submitted its revised plan on Tuesday to build a 1,499 square metre store with nine flats above in The Street.

This is 30 per cent smaller than the supermarket's previous proposal, which was refused by Mole Valley District Council in March.

News of the latest planning application has been met with opposition.

Gillian Russell, of Woodfield Lane, was a member of SAVE (Save Ashtead's Village Environment) that campaigned against Tesco's previous plan.

She said: "They may have reduced the size by a third but this is still a massive supermarket in the context of Ashtead village.

"Traffic is still going to be a massive problem and there will be problems with congestion, pollution and safety at the junction of Woodfield Lane and the A24.

"It will be three times as big as Tesco Express in Craddocks Parade and it will completely change the character of Ashtead forever."

Sally Webster, of Ottways Lane, echoed these views. She said: "I think it's unrealistic for them to think this plan is suitable for Ashtead."

Village trader Roger Palmer, from Palmer's Deli, in The Street, believes most people are against Tesco building in The Street.

He said: "People think they have a large monopoly in the area as they already have a store in Lower Ashtead and Leatherhead.

"I think the impact on village traders will be no different to the previous scheme. Just because it is smaller doesn't mean it will get less custom."

Eoin Dardis, a spokesman for Tesco, said the company has listened to residents and councillors and reduced the size of its proposed store.

"We feel the store will be an important addition to Ashtead, creating an anchor for other shops in The Street," he said.

"This, along with the free car park, will bring more people into the town centre to do their shopping."