COUNCILLORS have raised fears about the ‘creeping retail development’ on the edge of Evesham town centre.
The claim was made during a meeting of Evesham Town Council on Monday (September 8) where members discussed an application by B&M Stores to convert the former MEB building on Worcester Road.
Under the proposals put forward, the exisiting buildings will be demolished to make way for a 2,300sq ft retail development with car parking.
The vital link out of town already boasts a mammoth Tesco superstore and the Evesham Shopping Park which includes the likes of Argos, Boots and the Marks and Spencer Simply Food store.
Coun Richard Jones pointed to the presence of the retail giants and expressed concern over the levels of traffic in the area.
“The proposed entry is right opposite Tesco’s entrance so the cars turning right have the potential to be head on with cars
coming out of Tesco.” he said.”
“We go on about wanting to regenerate the High Street, if we want to regenerate the High Street in Evesham then building more things like this is not a good idea in my opinion.”
His recommendation to refuse the application was backed by Coun Gerry O’Donnell who expressed his fear about the ‘creeping retail development’.
“We are trying to reinvigorate the town centre but applications like this do not help.” he said.
“I accept it is a major store and welcome their interest in Evesham and they are just one retail unit but it does have serious implications because others will invariably move in.”
However, Councillor Wendy Dyke backed the application by B&M Stores and said: “There is nowhere in the town centre for a store of this size.
“I think it’s good for Evesham that more of these multi-national stores want to come to the town.” she added.
Despite her backing, members voted to refuse the application. The proposal will now be debated by planning chiefs at Wychavon District Council.
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