TESCO'S planning application has once again focused attention on the future of Prestwich Village and the store's impact on the local community.
Recently, I walked the site of the proposed developments with the principal officer from Bury Council's planning department. In addition, I have now received and studied a copy of the plans. My conclusions are as follows:
The three stand-alone retail units as proposed are totally unacceptable. The requirement for a new vehicle access point on Kingswood Road would create a volume and type of traffic which cannot be tolerated in a residential area.
The location of these units would undermine our efforts to create a cohesive vision for the future development of the village. Retailers suggested as potential tenants of at least two of the units would directly threaten existing businesses in the Longfield precinct.
The proposed extension of the existing store on land currently utilised for car parking is acceptable.
The proposed executive housing development on a brown field site is welcome. It represents a major investment in the future prosperity and vibrancy of Prestwich. However, residents of Kingswood Road and West Road must be given assurances about the location of these dwellings in relation to their houses. In addition, Bury Council and the housing developer must work together to minimise the impact of increased traffic on surrounding areas. The existing Tesco site has led to increased traffic for the residents of Highfield Road, Stanhope Avenue and other residential areas.
In my view the council's engineers department has so far failed to adequately address these concerns.
More details of proposals to enhance the football pitch and surrounding area are required. I have proposed the creation of a park which would include a pleasant green area for walking, high quality children's play facilities, changing rooms and showers and the option of an all-weather surface for users of the football pitch.
The local authority's three-year investment plan for the environment and infrastructure in the village has overwhelming local support. My only reservation is the ill-conceived proposals for Clifton Road, which must be changed.
I have asked Tesco to demonstrate their commitment to Prestwich by making some of their own resources available to enhance the council's plans.
I have written to Tesco management expressing these sentiments and sent copies to Bury Council's planning department, Prestwich Residents Association and Prestwich Business Forum. I have also asked for a meeting with Tesco at the earliest possible opportunity. I would very much welcome the views of local residents in the meantime.
As for my general perspective on Tesco and their role in the future development of Prestwich, I quote directly from the final part of my letter to them.
"I would like to acknowledge the positive contribution Tesco has made to Prestwich. Many local people are admirers of the high quality services Tesco offers. The store provides employment for many local residents and attracts people from neighbouring areas who otherwise may not visit Prestwich.
"I have no interest in re-running the battles of the past when many local residents, including myself and the local authority, opposed Tesco's original plan for the former Prestwich Hospital site. However, I genuinely believe Prestwich Village is now at a crucial stage in its development.
"Tesco has a real opportunity to work in partnership with residents, the business community, Prestwich Area Board, Bury Council and myself. Alternatively, they can choose to go it alone and press ahead in a way which incites local opposition and guarantees unnecessary and long-term ill-will.
"I hope the company will make the right choice by combining their commercial interest with the best interests of the local community".
IVAN LEWIS MP
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