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Manningtree: MP To Call For Tesco Enquiry?
AN MP today said he may call for a public enquiry over plans to build a Tesco superstore in Manningtree.
Bernard Jenkin, MP for North Essex, is to hold a meeting at the House of Commons next week with Tesco bosses, in a bid to quiz them about the plans.
The supermarket giant wants to build a 30,000 sq ft store in Station Road but has been met by fierce opposition over fears of its impact on the town's trade and traffic.
A public consultation was held in the town last year.
Mr Jenkin told the Standard: "I want to be informed and I want to see how strong a case they can make for this being viable, with Manningtree High Street and the visual impact.
"But the reaction that really counts is the reaction of local people."
"It may be that this planning application can only be resolved by holding a frank public enquiry. Local residents have so far been very vocal both in support and in opposition to these plans and I would like to ensure that all opinions have been heard and taken on board prior to any decisions being made," he added.
Michael Kissman, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, will face up to Mr Jenkin when the meeting takes place next Thursday.
Members of Manningtree Town Council will also be asked if they would like to attend.
Mr Kissman said: "We think we have got a good story to tell Mr Jenkin. We have got jobs to create in Manningtree and benefits for the economy and we think that there is a good news story that we are happy to update him on."
"People of course have natural questions about the opening times and design and understandably want assurances," he added.
A fortnight ago it emerged the long-awaited outline planning application for the store had been submitted to Tendring Council.
A further planning application is due to follow in the next few weeks.
Mr Kissman said at the time the move was "putting a red line" around the site.
It is expected to create about 200 jobs and would be about one third of the size of the Tesco superstores in Colchester and Ipswich.
Parking is also expected to be provided to accommodate customers to the store.
11:41am Wednesday 30th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Gary Donoghue, Manningtree Resident on 12:19pm Fri 2 May 08
Good to see Bernard Jenkin calling for an enquiry so that Tesco's full intentions can be seen for what they are - yet another bid to destroy a small High Street and reduce choice. We already have a soon-to-be revamped COOP, a pharmacy about to become a Boots plus a number of distinct local shops. We even have a Tesco express in the High St...but, of course, this isn't enough for Tesco who already have 14 stores within a 20 mile radius. We DO NOT need another Tesco, with more traffic, more congestion and within another cloned town. Today a 30,000ft store...tomorrow a 24 hour Extra store. This is doubtless the usual thin-end of the wedge stuff from Tesco. Get a foothold and then do what you like - as countless communities across the country have found to their cost.
Mr Kissman states that jobs will be created...but he doesn't indicate how many will be lost overall and, of course, neglects to mention that all the money spent at Tesco disappears into their huge coffers far, far away from our locality.
Incidentally Tesco conveniently forgot to mention that the reason a 2nd planning application was required in Manningtree was because the 1st one contained so many errors (including no traffic or retail assessment) that it was deemed invalid by the planning authority. Usual Tesco approach...only tell the truth when it's convenient to do so.
If our MP calls for an enquiry then I will be there to voice my opposition - particularly in the light of the recent planning changes that are being proposed by the Competition commission - stating that if a supermarket is deemed to have too much power within an area that it should not be allowed to build more stores.
Good to see Bernard Jenkin calling for an enquiry so that Tesco's full intentions can be seen for what they are - yet another bid to destroy a small High Street and reduce choice. We already have a soon-to-be revamped COOP, a pharmacy about to become a Boots plus a number of distinct local shops. We even have a Tesco express in the High St...but, of course, this isn't enough for Tesco who already have 14 stores within a 20 mile radius. We DO NOT need another Tesco, with more traffic, more congestion and within another cloned town. Today a 30,000ft store...tomorrow a 24 hour Extra store. This is doubtless the usual thin-end of the wedge stuff from Tesco. Get a foothold and then do what you like - as countless communities across the country have found to their cost.
Mr Kissman states that jobs will be created...but he doesn't indicate how many will be lost overall and, of course, neglects to mention that all the money spent at Tesco disappears into their huge coffers far, far away from our locality.
Incidentally Tesco conveniently forgot to mention that the reason a 2nd planning application was required in Manningtree was because the 1st one contained so many errors (including no traffic or retail assessment) that it was deemed invalid by the planning authority. Usual Tesco approach...only tell the truth when it's convenient to do so.
If our MP calls for an enquiry then I will be there to voice my opposition - particularly in the light of the recent planning changes that are being proposed by the Competition commission - stating that if a supermarket is deemed to have too much power within an area that it should not be allowed to build more stores.
Posted by: KW, Mistley on 1:15pm Fri 2 May 08
I would ask Bernard Jenkins to question Tesco closely on how much [bold]traffic[/bold] they think their store would generate (rather a lot, otherwise why bother building it?).
And seeing how easily the station roundabout, the A137 and the A12 snarl up when there's the slightest problem, and that all along [bold]Tesco have said they would not spend any money on road improvements bar changing priorities at the railway bridge[/bold] , I can't see how the new store would be anything but a permanent, on-going, irreversible, costly [bold]congestion nightmar[/bold] e.
[bold]Don't let Tesco bung up our town, Bernard.[/bold]
I would ask Bernard Jenkins to question Tesco closely on how much
traffic they think their store would generate (rather a lot, otherwise why bother building it?).
And seeing how easily the station roundabout, the A137 and the A12 snarl up when there's the slightest problem, and that all along
Tesco have said they would not spend any money on road improvements bar changing priorities at the railway bridge , I can't see how the new store would be anything but a permanent, on-going, irreversible, costly
congestion nightmar e.
Don't let Tesco bung up our town, Bernard. Posted by: Pat, Lawford on 8:31pm Fri 2 May 08
I would tell Mr,Jenkins not to believe the rubbish our (Lawford) Parish Council are saying on this issue.Its pompous leader says 'all' Lawford want this - NOT TRUE!
This store would cause congestion. Tesco would not build it if they though it wouldnt bring in people far and wide. The High St and the Level Crossing will bocked at peak times. Once its here its too late for the politicians to say 'Ooops!'.As for Mr.Kissman - a man who lies for a living is not to be trusted!
I would tell Mr,Jenkins not to believe the rubbish our (Lawford) Parish Council are saying on this issue.Its pompous leader says 'all' Lawford want this - NOT TRUE!
This store would cause congestion. Tesco would not build it if they though it wouldnt bring in people far and wide. The High St and the Level Crossing will bocked at peak times. Once its here its too late for the politicians to say 'Ooops!'.As for Mr.Kissman - a man who lies for a living is not to be trusted!
Posted by: Nicky Young, Manningtree on 8:38am Tue 6 May 08
I do not believe that Tesco would be good for Manningtree as; we do not have the road infrastructure to support a development of this size, and it would result in shops closing and Manningtree becoming a "Tesco" town. We already have a Co-op which plans in place for a small extension to ensure it meets the needs of the people. Does Britians smallest town really need 2 supermarkets?
I do not believe that Tesco would be good for Manningtree as; we do not have the road infrastructure to support a development of this size, and it would result in shops closing and Manningtree becoming a "Tesco" town. We already have a Co-op which plans in place for a small extension to ensure it meets the needs of the people. Does Britians smallest town really need 2 supermarkets?
Posted by: SJ, Manningtree on 8:12pm Thu 8 May 08
I'm sure I speak for many local residents when I say that I will wait for the enquiry before I decide whether or not a new Tesco's store is a good idea or not.
I can't help feeling that if existing Manningtree shops don't want to be killed off by Tesco's then they should try to help themselves while they can by staying open on a Wednesday afternoon - it's like a ghost town.
I'm sure I speak for many local residents when I say that I will wait for the enquiry before I decide whether or not a new Tesco's store is a good idea or not.
I can't help feeling that if existing Manningtree shops don't want to be killed off by Tesco's then they should try to help themselves while they can by staying open on a Wednesday afternoon - it's like a ghost town.
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