Darlington RSS Feed


Tesco warning on derelict garage sale

5:49pm Monday 14th April 2008

comment Comments (11)   Have your say »


TESCO has warned Darlington residents that derelict land subject to a series of controversial planning applications may take more time to be sold.

The supermarket giant pledged to sell the run-down former filling station at Harrowgate Hill after three bids to open a new store were rejected by planners following complaints from local residents.

Last month, ward councillor Mark Burton accused the company of holding on to the land to "punish" residents for standing against the plans.

A spokeswoman for Tesco said yesterday that the company does intend to sell the land, but the sale may take longer than expected due to the effects of the credit crunch and planning restrictions on the land.

"When Tesco submits plans to develop a store, having the planning application refused by a local planning committee, while disappointing, is one of the possible risks and outcomes of the planning process," she said.

"To suggest that Tesco would take this outcome personally, and would hold it against a local community by deliberately hanging onto the land is ridiculous."

The supermarket chain has applied for planning permission to open a Tesco Express at the site three times. Darlington Borough Council's planning department refused the firm's final application in December 2007.

Residents have regularly complained about the state of the site - which has been empty since Shell closed the filling station in February 2005.

The Tesco spokeswoman added: "We are constantly talking with developers and property agents about this site on North Road, however as the land is restricted to commercial use and planning permission for retail use is not possible, the number of possible buyers is reduced."

Harrowgate Hill ward councillor Gill Cartwright said: "Tesco are supposed to have tidied this site up but that has not been done.

"I would urge them to try and find a buyer as soon as possible, but in the meantime they should do what they can to make the site more presentable.

"It is an eyesore for local residents but also for tourists and business people who visit the town.

"The site is one of the first things people see when they come to Darlington - it doesn't create a good first impression."

Print article » Email to a friend »

Your Say YourThe Northern Echo

Alison, Andover Villages says...
6:39pm Mon 14 Apr 08

I note that Tescos revert to their usual 'bullyboy' tactics as the company has been unable to 'persuade' the Council to allow the opening of a Tesco Express store. Darlingtonians - be grateful that your Council Planning Department has a backbone and refused the applications, many Andover residents and those of surrounding villages are trying to stop Test Valley Borough Council from building a Tesco 'Megashed' distribution centre - larger than Heathrow's T5 - on what is earmarked as a 'business park' development site. Furthermore, Andover is effectively a 'Tesco Town' with very little competition, the company has recently opened a Tesco Express in an area where there is already 3 convenience stores, an independent bakery and an off-licence in a 1/2 mile stretch - it was reported in last week's local rag that the Magistrates has allowed Tesco a licence to sell alcohol. Be grateful that your council listens to you and aren't assumed to be in Tesco's pocket!

Report this post »

sue, darlington says...
11:32pm Mon 14 Apr 08

Well Alison,
Maybe some of the us Darlingtonians do want a Tesco, maybe we do want a little more competition other that the high prived Co-op and boring Morissons.(yes I know we have Sainsburys too).
How naughty of Tesco to want to open a Megashed and employ all those local people.
I really don't know why people in Darlington are so opposed to Tesco, just look about at the mediocre pap we already have, what we want is more choice, and better prices!

Report this post »

Matt, Darlington says...
8:09am Tue 15 Apr 08

'Tesco town'
Is the company ran by the mafia or something lol,
I agree with you Alison (from Darlington), It would be a good thing for employment and for competition, I think the store in Aycliffe is better than anything we have.

Report this post »

Dave, North Road says...
10:17am Tue 15 Apr 08

Do the people of Harrowgate Hill think the streets are paved with gold? They managed to stop the Tesco being built, then reasonably expect Tesco to be able to sell the land to anyone.

Can someone of H'Hill please tell me who they would like to buy the land...who would build something suitable on it... Oops, planning permission is now difficult to obtain; good luck Harrowgate Hill on fighting to stop appartments being built there!! (Uh-ho the housing market is going down the swan..eyesore it is for the next few years!!!).

As for Cllr Gill Cartwright, "Tesco should make it presentable"....what a fool, what do they owe Darlington? They should be billing the Council and the residents of H'Hill for the cost of time wasted!

Anyhow, Tesco announced today that they are opening 11million square feet of stores; 80% of which will be overseas.....Makes Darlington look a bit stupid really doesnt it? Get off your high horse everyone, Tesco is rolling on and the shares are up 4% Happy Days!

Report this post »

Gill Cartwright, Harrowgate Hill says...
11:01am Tue 15 Apr 08

The decision to deny planning permission was made by the planning committee based on material planning considerations as part of due process. There were several reasons given.
Planning proposals have to meet local and national policy and it is the remit of the committee to ensure that these are met for the benefit of Darlington.
The site was deemed unsuitable for a retail development irrespective of who the proposer of the plans were.
Tesco have stated that they intend to sell the site and a developer will buy the site and apply for permission for a new development. The planning committe will debate the merits of the plans with guidance from officers taking into account policy and make a decision.
Tesco may purchase land on other sites in Darlington and the same process will apply.

Report this post »

Gillian, 580-270 says...
11:02am Tue 15 Apr 08

I dont want a TESCO, how many supermarkets do we need?
2 morrisons, sainsburys, asda,coop's summerfields.
I think we have plenty, plus have you seen Aycliffe, that superstore has killed the town centre, we have been thinking of moving to Aycliffe, I lived there as a child, but its heart has been ripped out, I remember a busy little town, but Tescos have taken over, the town feels like a ghost town.
I wouldnt want that happening to our Beautiful town.
and what about the small retail shops in HH another nail in their coffin!

Report this post »

Kathleen Boden, Darlington says...
3:06pm Tue 15 Apr 08

Tesco's tactics are pretty clear. Move in where there is a thriving business,cut prices to the bone until the other businesses go under, then reap the rewards. Then lo and behold prices go back up but now you only have one choice. Look at Newton Aycliffe and Northallerton. Both used to be thriving towns now all they have is Tesco. If you aren't happy with the present retailers tell them so and I'll bet they change. If you listened to BBC Breakfast, you will have heard all the emails complaining about rising prices at Tesco .I personally don't like shopping there. It's like a free for all with everyone seeming anxious.Once I realized how they operate I won't support them on principle.

Report this post »

Alison, Andover Villages says...
8:26pm Tue 15 Apr 08

Matt - I am a Darlingtonian although I haven't lived there for 14 years. Tescos does appear to be the local mafia in this area. Fully understand your thoughts on jobs for local people if Tescoes does get the go ahead for a Megashed however they will be transferring managers from a centre that is being closed but for the general staff, the company has an agency in Warsaw recruiting for these roles. Sadly no real local jobs... Lastly, Tescos does not support British farmers / producers; IMHO, they are the most unethical company around AND a fair proportion of the company's assets are held in offshore accounts therefore eradicating the requirement to pay Messrs Brown and Darling's pesky taxes...

Report this post »

ann swain, DARLINGTON says...
9:13pm Tue 15 Apr 08

PEOPLE HAVE NO SAY TODAY I WOULD ALONG WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE; TO SEE THE BUSS STATION TURNED INTO A 24 HOUR STORE BUT THE YES VOTES DID NOT GET HEARD
THINK OF THE BUS COUCHES COMING IN AFTER A LONG JURNEY THERE ARE NO TOILETS NOW DRINKS NO HELP FOR ANYONE CHILDREN ALIKE- ITS NOT FAIR
quote

Report this post »

shavo, darlo says...
9:23pm Thu 17 Apr 08

wen iheard about tesco poss opening on the site i hav 2 say i was quite pleased.dont think the 'no' voters took in2 consideration the people with young children who dont drive in the harrowgate hill area!its such a hastle trailing all the way 2 morrisons even if u do drive.that store could hav been very handy for quite a lot of people young and elderly alike.sod the local over priced shops such as the premier.

Report this post »

Kathleen Boden, Darlington says...
7:07am Fri 18 Apr 08

Shavo, if you have a computer you have access to Tesco. You also have a co-op nearby. which product do you think is overpriced? I find many bargains at premier.We are lucky to have a choice. Once Tesco gets a foothold your choice goes out the window. Then they can charge what they like. Prices in Newton Aycliffe and Northallerton at Tesco are comparable to every other chain because they have no competition to drive out.When you are a young mum it is hard to think beyond your needs now but think of the people who can only walk a few hundred feet. What would happen to them if they lost the little shops you don't see because you don't live nearby.If Tesco gets in those shops will close. You can walk to Morrisons some cannot.Harrowgate hill could do with a little shop in harrowgate farm for the ones who need it there.

Report this post »

Comments are closed on this article.

In this section

Blogs

Sponsored Links






Local Advertisers


Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »