A SAINSBURY'S plan for Dorridge has been refused.Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee tonight (Weds) rejected the plan for Forest Court in front of a chamber packed with residents.
The news comes as a planning application for a Waitrose in Knowle
is submitted to the council.
Developers said this was put in ahead of the Sainsbury's vote so it can be borne in mind by councillors.
Meriden MP Caroline Spelman today (Thurs) welcomed the Sainsbury's news.
She said: “Dorridge centre needs regeneration but the scale of the store proposed was too large.
"The road infrastructure could not cope with the amount of delivery vehicles and other traffic that the planned development would create.
"I appreciate that Sainsbury’s redrafted their initial plans and introduced key changes after consultation with residents, but unfortunately these do not go far enough in satisfying the local community and Solihull Council’s requirements regarding traffic flow and safety.”
The Knowle Society, which attended the meeting, wrote on its website: "Refusal was based amongst other reasons on grounds of scale within Dorridge, impact on the Conservation Area and car parking."
The council has yet to publish the full reasons for refusal.
Sainsbury's said it was 'extremely disappointed' at the move, The Solihull News reports.
Alison McWilliam, spokesman for the Dorridge Residents Opposed to Village Superstore, tonight hailed the move, which she said came after three hours of deliberation.
She told The Silhillian: “The committee voted unanimously against the ridiculous scheme on just about every aspect, including its size for a village location, its ugly design that does nothing to fit in with the conservation area of Forest Approach or the surroundings in general, lack of adequate parking, impact on traffic congestion etc.
“Alan McWilliam spoke about the dysfunctional design and location of the doctor’s surgery, with its first floor consulting rooms and reception accessed from the car park by stairs, lift or travellator, none of which consider the most regular users of a surgery – old, infirm, disabled, parents with buggies.
“Dr Rob Walker spoke about the impact of the service yard’s proximity to residential homes and children’s bedrooms and how noise affects sleeping patterns which can impact negatively on mental health.
“DROVS appointed planning consultant, Richard Cobb talked about the parking, traffic, loss of trees and wider implications of such a huge scheme in such a confined residential area.
“In response Cllr [Jim] Ryan [ward member, Bickenhill] spoke passionately about Dorridge and how it would be ruined with such a scheme in terms of size, scale and design.
“Cllr [Jeffrey] Potts [ward member, Knowle] focused on the impact on the road network between Knowle and Dorridge, particularly in terms of HGV delivery lorries travelling through Knowle High street conservation area.
“Sainsbury’s will, no doubt, regroup and come again at this site, particularly as they own it.
“Committee members asked them to go away and come back with something imaginative, smaller and in keeping with the village feel that Dorridge currently enjoys.”
Click here for The Silhillian's stories on the plans.
What do you think? Leave your comments below. No registration required.
