Every coin has two sides – Have your SAY! April 21, 2009
Two sides to the Tesco application
Every coin has two sides and two very different stories. It is the same with the Tesco Application in Newport Pagnell. As a member of the Liberal Democrats it is in my nature to listen to both sides of the argument and take into account what is said from each.
I would like to state that there are strong arguments both For and Against the build that is being proposed on the old Aston Martin Lagonda site and personally can relate to the group of people who are backing the application. A Tesco user myself, I totally agree in principle that the convenience of a Tesco in Newport Pagnell would be absolutely great, after being made redundant and just starting to learn to drive due to a medical condition, a Tesco’s store in Newport Pagnell would be great for me personally, on those grounds.
What I am opposed to and have concerns with is not Tesco itself or any of its products, infact its very simple… The long term repercussions on the High Street, surrounding houses, schools and roads. Just to elaborate on those points a little when I say the determination ‘long term’, I am specifically referring to three, four or even five years down the line when we are going to feel the harsh reality of having a large Tesco in Newport Pagnell.
Firstly it will be the direct effects on jobs and livelihoods in the town centre, from the bakers, butchers, grocers and news agents all the way to the farmers market that is held on Market Hill. These will be the first business’ that will feel Tesco’s claw and be directly affected. So whats next for the High Street? Well the rest of the shops in the High Street will be indirectly affected; they rely on the ‘hustle and bustle’ of other business’ and consumers use of the High Street. Without the core shops in the High Street by losing trade to Tesco, there will simply not be enough people walking up and down the High Street to keep a sustainable business and livelihood running. The type of business’ that would be affected range from hairdressers and florists to restaurants, pubs, and furniture stores and more. Some of the business’ would just survive the initial repercussions in a few years time however in the long run, they will be driven out of business just the same as the Town Centre eventually dwindles away back into empty shops and more charity shops than you can remember!
Secondly its the surrounding houses and residents, Tesco will not only be operating a large delivery network of 13metre long HGVs in and out multiple times a day but also have applied for an Ancillary site, details of it I don’t directly know of as yet, either way this is going to be a few yards from peoples garden fence’s! Please bear in mind I have not gone into detail in regards to the light, noise and vehicle pollution this site will create, it really is a all in one package!
Thirdly this store will not only have severe repercussions on business’ and residents way of life but will increase massive amounts of corporate and public traffic too and from the location, this is not only dangerous to residents and cars through the destruction the HGVs and increased traffic will do to the fairly narrow High Street and Roads and but its also dangerous for the children who use the local school and nurseries when crossing them. The roads can’t be expanded due to the close proximity of houses but neither can the pedestrian crossings, they would simply just back log the traffic all the way from one end of Newport, to the other.
The final point I would like to make is that once Tesco are in, they cannot be pushed out. Simple business logic dictates that as the business grows, competition diminishes then its time for expansion. And that my readers is what will happen. Build > Trade > Expand. The simple reality and cycle of the business style Tesco will be using. Think about the longer term implications it will have because believe me, Tesco certainly are!
If you wish to express your views, write a letter to:
Alan Mills
Milton Keynes Council Planning Dept.
Saxon Gate, MK93EJ
Or email: alan.mills@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Please ensure you use this reference in your correspondence as either your subject or title: Ouline Planning Application for a Tesco Store and Ancillary Works at Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, Tickford St, Newport Pagnell, MK16 9AN Reference no: 09/00530/OUT