Fears new supermarket could add to parking pressure in Shipston - The Stratford Observer

Fears new supermarket could add to parking pressure in Shipston

Stratford Editorial 16th Aug, 2019   0

FEARS have been raised a new supermarket in Shipston town centre could increase parking pressures.

More than 20 objections to a Tesco store in Church Street have been made including from the town council and ward councillor Trevor Harvey.

The proposed store, with three apartments above, would see the derelict Pettiphers Garage demolished. The building’s forecourt is currently used as a car park for up to nine cars and a motorbike.

But if the plans get the green lights ahead, the car parking would be reduced to just three spaces for shoppers.




Residents are concerned the plans would create parking problems, congestion and also impact road safety.

Coun Harvey pointed out parking in the town centre was already limited.


He added: “If the development were to be permitted, these ten vehicles will be displaced and will add to the pressure on streets in the area.

The town council agreed parking identified by the plans was ‘inadequate and unsafe’.

A spokesperson said: “There will be interference to the traffic flows on Church Street as well as road safety issues with lorries accessing and leaving the front of the store.

“Whilst there is free parking at the other end of town shoppers will obviously use the parking in Church Street which is free for non-residents for a short period. This combined with the very long opening hours will means that residents will have even more difficulty in parking on their own street despite paying the council for residents’ permits.”

But despite the concerns a report has recommended plans get the go ahead when considered by a Stratford District Council planning committee next Wednesday (August 21).

It states around 30 off-site parking spaces would be sufficient to cater for the proposed new store and flats.

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