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The Dorridge Residents Opposed to Village Superstore group says it is countering allegations that it is not doing anything “positive” by publishing its own plan for Forest Court, above.
Sainsbury's announced a new 1,812sqm sale area plan in January, about 25 per cent smaller than a scheme rejected by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in March 2010.
Yet the DROVS says its plan allowed for a sale area space of 1,050sqm and 650sqm of other space with “plenty of parking”.
It said: “It shows that, in spite of what Sainsbury's say, you could feasibly redevelop Forest Court, including independent retail units and a restaurant etc., but with a reasonably sized supermarket.”
The group is also leafleting 3,000 homes in a bid to get 1,000 people to register their objections and is calling on residents sign an online 'wall of support', below.
A statement on the DROVS website said: “The more people that support us (from Dorridge and beyond) the more influence we can have on the future size of the store.
“Please, if you care about the future of Forest Court, add your name using the form below.
“We're hoping to reach 1,000 supporters, so make sure everyone in your house signs up - and do tell your friends and neighbours.”
It is also calling for donations to print leaflets and posters and a for a 'fighting fund' to cover costs when a planning application is made. The council will make the final decision on whether the scheme will go ahead.
Below: Sainsbury's new plan
It said: “We are not against a supermarket nor against Sainsbury’s.
“But, in response to the latest plans we maintain our opposition: the proposed supermarket is still far too big for a village centre.
“With support from hundreds of people all over Dorridge, we helped to defeat Sainsbury’s first proposal.
“With renewed support this time around, we hope once again to exert our influence, helping Dorridge to develop into an even better place to live, today and for generations to come.”
The group said of Sainsbury's plan: “That's three times the size of Tesco Knowle and pretty much the size of Morrisons in Solihull - but with much less parking! You can imagine how congested the centre of Dorridge will become.”
Visit The Silhillian tomorrow morning for more on the campaign.
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