Shops to battle Tesco store bid

Tesco has applied for planning permission to build a store on the corner of Springvale Road and Commonside near Walkley, on the derelict site of a demolished petrol station.

The move has angered locals and shopkeepers, who argue the store would cause traffic chaos and be a threat to small businesses.

Jane Vandervlies of Fulton Road, Walkley, said: "Many local residents, shopkeepers, and parents of children at Westways School are opposed to this plan.

"The junction is already very busy and the area is difficult to negotiate as a driver or pedestrian, especially at peak times. The junction is part of the route for children walking to school and there is a lot of dangerous congestion, added to by cars which already park too close to the junction.

"Tesco plan to provide three car parking spaces and one for the disabled. At peak times especially it is probable this will not be enough and even more cars will park on the road."

June Hall, who runs The Baker Shop on Howard Road and is helping to organise a petition opposing the Tesco plan, claimed a new convenience store was unnecessary as well as being potentially damaging to local businesses.

She said: "From Brookhouse roundabout to South Road there are already five convenience stores, while the big Tesco supermarket at Infirmary Road is only five minutes away in the car, so I don't think we need any more.

"I've been amazed at the response of local people who are really supporting the local shops.

"They recognise people have put their money and their livelihoods into these small local shops."

Matthew West, a director of Beanie's wholefoods co-operative on Crookes Valley Road, said customers had been keen to sign the petition there and in other shops in the neighbourhood.

He said: "People who appreciate small shops do not seem happy about the Tesco plans at all, and the shopkeepers themselves feel quite defensive about it.

"If people want to shop at Tesco, they can drive to a supermarket.

"Why should they muscle in on the remaining territory of small shops?"

Plans can be viewed online at www.sheffield.gov.uk (ref 07/02849/FUL) and objections must be sent to Sheffield Council by Wednesday.

Letters or e-mails of objection, including full name and address, can be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Bob Turner, Planning Department, Development Control, 5th Floor, Howden House,1 Union Street, Sheffield.