PLANNING - WESTWOOD GARAGE

Cllrs Harry Grayson along with Clare Cleary organised a public meeting at the Conservative Club on 3rd October regarding a planning application that has been submitted to turn Westwood Garage on Harwood Road into an A1 retail unit. Cllr Ken Moss took no active part in the debate as he currently sits on the Planning Committee at HBC and any indication of views may be considered to be a predetermined opinion ahead of the application hearing.

The plans have been submitted by Hurstwood Properties but correspondence from the agent dated 19th August 2011 makes reference in part to another application by Tesco, something which has been suspected by residents for some time. The meeting was well attended by residents and local shopkeepers who gave an overwhelmingly negative view towards the former Bentley garage being turned into a supermarket. Local resident Chris Smith said, 'It's not just about being against Tesco, it's any A1 retail store. The plot isn't suitable and would create havoc with traffic and parking on the surrounding streets.' Similar concerns were also raised by residents of adjacent Norden Court, which is comprised of sheltered accommodation. The car park to the rear of the block is frequently used by non-residents and problems have arisen on numerous occasions when doctors and ambulances have been unable to gain access.

Cllr Grayson said, 'The high turnout for this meeting indicates the strength of public feeling on the matter. Our role as local councillors is to act as a voice for the residents and we will be making a strong representation of their views during the planning process.'

Petitions have already been set up at Rishton Mini Market, Stotts Bakery and Duckworths Butchers among others within the village as it is feared another Tesco would kill off community businesses. Questions were also raised as to why another outlet is needed when the Accrington store is struggling and another large store is due to open soon in Great Harwood. Cllr Grayson has since recieved communication from Hurstwood Properties to state that the application is not from Tesco.

Full details of the planning application (ref: 11/11/0322) can be viewed by visiting the Hyndburn Borough Council website:

Planning Application 11/11/0322

A newspaper article has also been published in the Lancashire Telegraph:

Rishton_ traders_to_fight_Tesco_Express_plans

A follow-up meeting is to be held by Cllrs Harry Grayson and Clare Cleary on Monday 10th October at the Conservative Club at 7.00pm to finalise the official objections that are to be made and all residents are welcome. The application is due to be discussed at the Planning Committee of Hyndburn Borough Council on Wednesday 12th October at 10.30am at Scaitcliffe House in Accrington. Members of the public may attend but cannot speak unless invited to do so.