Poole supermarket plans rejected (From Bournemouth Echo)

Poole supermarket plans rejected

12:00pm Monday 14th January 2013 in News By Jim Durkin

CONTENTIOUS proposals for a late-night supermarket at a former Poole police station have been rejected by civic planning chiefs.

Borough of Poole’s planning board ruled unanimously against plans that could have paved the way for a new Co-op convenience store at the former Ashley Road station house.

They cited pedestrian safety concerns and the possible negative impact on existing retailers along Ashley Road as reasons for their decision to refuse the application.

Poole councillors made their ruling despite a recommendation from the authority’s planning department to grant permission.

The news came as a relief for neighbours, including couple Daniel Newsum and Jo Refoy.

In October they bought a house opposite after first ensuring the police station development was purely residential.

Plans later surfaced for change of use status at the site.

Daniel said: “I am extremely happy with this result and the points made by the planning committee.”

Daniel’s mother, Shelia Newsum, spoke against the proposals at the meeting.

She told councillors: “There are 33 other supermarkets in less than a two-mile radius and seven are within half a mile radius.

“In this day and age a new supermarket does nothing for the community.”

Had the store been given the go-ahead, it would have provided 20 new full and part-time jobs.

Cllr Philip Eades, chairman of Borough of Poole planning committee, said: “The planning application was unanimously refused by the committee.

“There were major concerns over both highway safety and the safety of pedestrians with large service vehicles that would be parking parallel to Ashley Road, one of the busiest roads in Poole.

“There was also concern over the effect on the character of the existing building and the negative impact on the Ashley Road shopping centre.”

The former police station site has been converted into a number of residential flats.

The Daily Echo understands the applicant will appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.