Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Pharmacy heralds new Sainsbury's plan

THE boss of Dorridge's pharmacy has backed a Sainsbury's plan for “drab” Forest Court, saying it would be the “hub of the community”.

Artist's_Aerial_Impression_of_Development



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Christopher Taylor, managing director of Dudley Taylor Pharmacies, which owns JB Dyhouse Pharmacy, spoke after the firm revealed a new store plan last month.

The revised scheme is 26 per cent smaller than one rejected in March by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. The new scheme will need council approval.

The pharmacy, restaurant Da Santino and card shop Jo Jo's are the only units still trading from Forest Court.

In a statement, Mr Taylor said: “Forest Court is unattractive and is now subject to regular vandalism, and the existing situation with the precinct is best described as dire.

“The new plan provides an exciting alternative to the current drab retail offering of Forest Court and this will enable the disabled, pedestrians and car owners alike to visit a range of shops that will again become the hub of the community.”

He said: “Whilst I quite accept that this development will be the street scene of Dorridge for the future and must be well thought through, and all the residents of Dorridge must want the very best design possible, I believe this design fulfils this and should be supported by retailers, residents and councillors alike.

“I would like to again thank all our customers for their valued custom and look forward to this revised development being approved. “

The firm said it had been offered one of six new units near the entrance to the scheme by Sainsbury's. It would re-locate to an empty unit in the village during building works.

The new plan has led to a storm of debate. A poll of 460 Silhillian readers found a narrow majority, 56 per cent, opposed the scheme.

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