Another unwanted Tesco store?

Tesco’s planning application to build a new store in Halfway; Sheffield was refused on 1^st March 2011 due to public opposition.

Tesco were seeking to build a new store opposite the Morrison’s site on land that already has planning approval for industrial use. Tesco say they want to provide shoppers with a wider choice and a better shopping experience in Halfway which will offer over 450 new jobs and will be a significant investment in the area. 

Tesco's plans for the store

Tesco wanted to use the Oxclose Park Road roundabout as the main access and provide a road which joins the Deepwell housing estate a bus, cyclist, pedestrian and taxi only route.

Councillor David Barker said: “local residents were obviously concerned about the effect this would have and we had several meetings with Tesco. Whilst they made some changes to the application as a result they ignored the major concerns which were about the provision of a new link road - people did not want this, and the way the store was to be sited. Following much public opposition the application was turned down, but Tesco are likely to appeal the decision so the store could still go ahead.”

The council will have to consider if the new store will be a threat to the shopping centre, Crystal Peaks and the traffic implications.

Tesco's planning application.

If the decision does get approved, Tesco want to invest in the local area by providing a green wildlife zone to protect the existing wildlife and have said that they will continue to cut down their carbon footprint in every area of the business.

Local resident, Sarah Hubbard from Oxclose Park Gardens said: “Halfway doesn’t need another supermarket, we already have a Morrison’s store across the road it will cause a lot more traffic and pollution around the area”.

By Jessica Thorpe 

Fact Box 

Tesco was refused planning permission but are seeking to appeal against the decision.