Monday, 21 February 2011

Poll narrowly opposes Dorridge Sainsbury's

SILHILLIAN readers narrowly opposed a new Sainsbury’s scheme for Dorridge in an online poll.

Dorridge_view_1_-_from_car_park_of_Arden_Buildings



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Of the 460 votes cast, 260, 56 per cent, said no when asked: “Do you support the new Sainsbury's scheme for Dorridge?”

A further 200 said yes, 43 per cent.

Sainsbury’s last month brought forward a revised plan for Forest Court that is 26 per cent smaller than a scheme rejected by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in March.

It would not include a new doctors’ surgery as first proposed and would instead refurbish the existing Dorridge Practice.

The re-development would increase the number of shops from four to six compared to the previous plan and would also feature a restaurant.

Plans show 173 spaces above the store, along Forest Road, compared to 213 underneath as first proposed. Forest Court currently has 91.

Debate has raged on The Silhillian over the plan.

One said: “Why are people so afraid of change? Why can't Dorridge move forward?

“Why is it insane to live in an age where the new younger residents want to provide a more vibrant village to live in? At present Dorridge is a rather run down, a shabby place to visit.”

But another said: “If you want your kids to 'visit' Sainsbury’s when they're older like it's some sort of leisure attraction, you must have very low ambitions for them.

“I hope my daughter sees more of life than some rent-a-box retail store when she grows up.”

Sainsbury’s hopes to submit a planning application between April and June for decision by the council.

If this is approved by September then work would begin in March 2012 for an opening 12 months later.

Click here for stories about the scheme.

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