Parish council opposes supermarket plan
MEMBERS of Bishop's Waltham's Parish Council have delivered an overwhelming 'no' to plans by Sainsbury's to build a superstore in the village.
At a special meeting of Bishop's Waltham parish council last night, the majority of councillors voted to object to the firm's plans to build a 35,000sq ft superstore on the village's old Abbey Mill site.
The council's views and a 4,500-strong petition from residents objecting to the store will now be submitted to Winchester City Council, which will make a decision on the plan.
Around 400 people turned up to the meeting in Jubilee Hall to share their views, with many forced to stand at the back. Applause rang out when members announced their decision.
Peter Atkinson, a fishmonger, said: '4,500 people say we don't want it and we don't need it. It would threaten and quite possibly close my business.
'I argue that Sainsbury's isn't right for Bishop's Waltham because it would adversely affect the viability of the town centre. This town will change forever.'
Resident Tony Heeley, said: 'I moved to this village four years ago. I came here because of the rural village. When I tell people where I live people are always impressed by it. I think Sainsbury's will totally change that perception.'
Many residents expressed concerns about how the store might affect local businesses and the historic monuments – the proposed site is next to the medieval South Pond and the ruins of the Bishop of Winchester's Palace, both designated ancient monuments.
But there were some supporters of the plans.
Eric Birbeck served in the Royal Navy medical service and said there was a crucial need for a new surgery.
'I have to support the plan for a new surgery,' he said.
'The current surgery was built in the late 1970's and was for 8,000 people.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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