Poole supermarket plan provokes backlash

1:00pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News By Jim Durkin

UNFAIR: Residents are not happy with the new supermarket plans including Daniel Newsum, pictured, holding daughter Amelia, who lives opposite the former police station UNFAIR: Residents are not happy with the new supermarket plans including Daniel Newsum, pictured, holding daughter Amelia, who lives opposite the former police station

PLANS for a late-night supermarket at a former Poole police station have been condemned by nearby residents.

Civic leaders will debate proposals to convert part of the renovated Ashley Road station house into a Co-op store at a crunch meeting tomorrow.

Borough of Poole officers recommend rubber-stamping the application, paving the way for a 235-square metre shop and 20 new jobs.

However, neighbours – including Daniel Newsum and Jo Refoy – say it’s unfair for families living opposite who thought the developed site would be purely residential.

The couple, who have a young child, only moved to their new home in October after first checking official plans for the police station.

“As first time buyers we looked at any proposed applications before contracts were exchanged and were happy that the old police station was being made into flats and town houses,” said Daniel.

Residential properties will make up the majority of the Parkstone redevelopment.

The convenience store application only surfaced recently.

Neighbours now fear the store, which according to documents could open from 8am-10pm, may become a magnet for noise and anti-social behaviour.

Nearby resident Ian Shutler, former operations manager for Wilts and Dorset Buses, said: “My major concern is over the issues of traffic generation and road safety.

“Many mornings, including weekends, there are queues of vehicles stretching from the junction of Victoria Road well past my house and on towards Sea View. This development will only exacerbate an already poor situation and cause more congestion.”

A Borough of Poole report recommends councillors agree the proposals on condition developers contribute £15,000 for a new Ashley Road pedestrian crossing.

This report concludes: “The proposals will contribute positively to the character and appearance of the area, would not harm the residential privacy and amenity and will provide adequate parking and access.”

  • Southern Co-operative acquisitions manager Ross Davey said: “The Southern Cooperative is hoping to open a convenience food store within the redevelopment of the former police station building proposed by the new owners.

“This includes converting the majority of the building to residential apartments for which consent has already been granted.

“If approved, we envisage that the new store will create around 20 full and part-time jobs for local people.”

Comments(18)

Flembo says...
1:20pm Wed 9 Jan 13

There is already a sainburys and tesco express nearby plus a few other local smaller news agents. Why the need for more?

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Flembo says...
1:20pm Wed 9 Jan 13

There is already a sainburys and tesco express nearby plus a few other local smaller news agents. Why the need for more?

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Flembo says...
1:23pm Wed 9 Jan 13

Locals should have a say in granting permission for new alcohol license applications in their area. As this wasn't a licensed premises beforehand they will have to apply for one (Unlike the Sandacres pub)

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paul.p says...
3:53pm Wed 9 Jan 13

I wouldn't allow this application until CO-OP sort out the farce at Hamworthy.

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BIGTONE says...
4:52pm Wed 9 Jan 13

Another pedestrian crossing on Ashley road?
Jeez how many more is needed?
The flow of traffic is already interrupted by lights every 100 yards.

Good job....Good job.

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pete woodley says...
4:56pm Wed 9 Jan 13

Residents looking for some kind of compensation ?.

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funkyferret says...
5:39pm Wed 9 Jan 13

Just yesterday they said Ashley Roads' pollution was too high...
... this'll fix it then!

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pete woodley says...
6:11pm Wed 9 Jan 13

If you had a young child,would you get a place on a very busy main road,?.

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a_reasonable_person says...
7:50pm Wed 9 Jan 13

As a resident of Parkstone, I would prefer a shop of higher standing than co-op. They have a shop in the main local centre. Pity Sainsbury could not be the occupier, a higher standard of customer, improving the area, rather than people taking advance of bulk booze buying maybe...

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a_reasonable_person says...
7:52pm Wed 9 Jan 13

As a resident of Parkstone, I would prefer a shop of higher standing than co-op. They have a shop in the main local centre. Pity Sainsbury could not be the occupier, a higher standard of customer, improving the area, rather than people taking advance of bulk booze buying maybe...

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a_reasonable_person says...
7:52pm Wed 9 Jan 13

As a resident of Parkstone, I would prefer a shop of higher standing than co-op. They have a shop in the main local centre. Pity Sainsbury could not be the occupier, a higher standard of customer, improving the area, rather than people taking advance of bulk booze buying maybe...

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Peggy Babcock says...
8:49pm Wed 9 Jan 13

a_reasonable_person wrote:
As a resident of Parkstone, I would prefer a shop of higher standing than co-op. They have a shop in the main local centre. Pity Sainsbury could not be the occupier, a higher standard of customer, improving the area, rather than people taking advance of bulk booze buying maybe...
To talk rubbish. In case you've not noticed, there's a Waitrose down the road.

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a_reasonable_person says...
9:31pm Wed 9 Jan 13

Peggy Babcock wrote:
a_reasonable_person wrote:
As a resident of Parkstone, I would prefer a shop of higher standing than co-op. They have a shop in the main local centre. Pity Sainsbury could not be the occupier, a higher standard of customer, improving the area, rather than people taking advance of bulk booze buying maybe...
To talk rubbish. In case you've not noticed, there's a Waitrose down the road.
I want to improve Parkstone, not replicate. The support of the community, those claiming to represent them and the business community could improve its appearance and appeal. Waitrose helps, but cannot solve all the area's problems or its reputation.

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MikeinBournemouth says...
11:13pm Wed 9 Jan 13

a_reasonable_person wrote:
As a resident of Parkstone, I would prefer a shop of higher standing than co-op. They have a shop in the main local centre. Pity Sainsbury could not be the occupier, a higher standard of customer, improving the area, rather than people taking advance of bulk booze buying maybe...
I think that you are pushing your luck with a Co-op let alone a shop of 'higher standing.' I would equate Ashley Road to Boscombe! I really cannot see what all the fuss is about, Ashely Road is a commercial road, where better place to have a new store :-)

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suzigirl says...
8:51am Thu 10 Jan 13

I use the co-op every day and never buy alcohol - what is that all about! The old Police station is an eyesore and any development should be welcomed!

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Johny Boy says...
9:47am Thu 10 Jan 13

I doubt very much the CO-OP will bring Ashley Road down, the present range of stores appear to be doing that all for themselves. I've also looked at the planning portal which is most interesting. Apparently only five people objected, three being from one family with two of those living in London! Also isn't it good that a building is being re-used and not torn down and replaced with some lego constructed rubbish.

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pete woodley says...
10:10am Thu 10 Jan 13

Johny Boy,interesting your comments on the protesters,3 from one family,2 of whom live in London.Did the Echo know this before the article and picture.

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Johny Boy says...
10:41am Thu 10 Jan 13

pete woodley wrote:
Johny Boy,interesting your comments on the protesters,3 from one family,2 of whom live in London.Did the Echo know this before the article and picture.
Good point, however the more reasoned question should be whether all the facts were checked in advance. That said without this balancing point, the story and photos make much better copy!!!

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