Tenbury Tesco Rumours are untrue,

I can confirm that the rumours that Tesco have submitted a new application for the Tenbury Cattle Market site are untrue.

They are still actively considering the site but have made no final decision, and will undertake additional local consultation before any plan is submitted.

Tesco Tenbury - Permission Refused

The Northern Area Development Control committee of Malvern Hills District Council has tonight upheld the planning officers recommendation that planning permission be REFUSED.


After hours of discussion a final vote of Councillors was 7 for refusal, 4 against refusal and 2 abstentions.


More information to follow tomorrow......

Shop Local - Value for money.

A reader of this blog has very kindly done a small mystery shop at Bowkett's and Tesco's with interesting results.

He bought 11 (mostly) branded items.

Tesco £16.76 Bowketts £15.46 (7.75% saving)

(Although if you spend another 2p at Tesco you could have had 2 tins of Tomatoes instead of 1)

This was only a small shop but shows that for the middle range shopper it can still make sense to shop local.

If you were able to compromise on brand and select the value items (they were only available for 6 out of the 11 items) your Tesco bill would drop to £12.61* (18.43% saving vs Bowketts)

(Lower branded items might also be available at Bowketts)

As is often said, "You can prove anything with statistics" or as Homer (Simpson) said "Facts are meaningless they can be used to prove anything"

(* The branded items often came in larger sizes so I have adjusted the figure to compare. e.g. Heinz Ketchup Squeezy 342g vs Tesco Ketchup Squeezy 1kg)

Airband comes to Tenbury.

If you have a voracious appetite for data, but your existing Broadband supplier isn't delivering, then Airband might be for you.

Airband are building a wireless data network in the Tenbury, Leominster, Ludlow area. Initially funded by Advantage West Midlands, they will need to become self sufficient in the long term.

Using a combination of wireless transmitters and receivers, Airband can link up almost anyone in the Tenbury area with their transmitters on Clee Hill or Broadheath. Speeds of up to 1.25Gb/s can in theory be achieved, but at a price. They can also link multiple offices together.

If you need to use Broadband commercially then the prices are much cheaper than other suppliers, but for the domestic user they are not so competitive.

A 4Mb/s connection (1Mb/s upload) with a contention of 1:20 will cost you £25 a month. Great if your existing connection is unreliable or slow, but speeds of 8Mb/s are achievable in Town for less money. (but probably with a higher contention rate, not a problem during the day, but not so good when the facebook generation come home from school)

Airband only provide the "pipe" so any potential customers, business or domestic that are not very computer literate will probably need to also employ additional services from other companies to install the necessary infrastructure.

For the domestic user in areas that are poorly served by fixed line broadband you may find Reebex a cheaper option. Unlike Airband, Reebex will deliver the complete system and offer support.

More information:

Airband

Reebex

Burgage Plan will allow for Events

A revised master plan for the Tenbury Burgage was shown to Tenbury Town Council tonight.

Numerous revisions have been made, but most importantly for many people the plan now allows space for Boot Fairs, Festivals and the traditional November bonfire.

The overall plan could take a number of years to implement as funding becomes available, but it is hoped that the first phase will include additional play equipment aimed at younger children which couldn't be included in the first phase as it was specifically excluded by the grant provider.

The new fence is expected to be installed this month.

Tesco unveil their new plan for Tenbury.

Tesco are due to unveil their revised plan for a store to be sited on the Old Cattle Market in Tenbury Wells at a public exhibition at the Pump Rooms tomorrow, (but you can have a sneak preview on the Tenbury Blog)

Click on picture to enlarge. (Use your back button to return to blog)

You can see from this view that the store has been moved back slightly to allow disabled parking spaces at the front of the store. The entrance hall has also been redesigned to provide a visual feature that can been seen from Teme Street.
The car park levels have been altered to allow the storage of flood waters in the event of a flood whilst still protecting the store.
You can also see the full exhibition display by clicking here, or you can visit the exhibition in the Pump Room tomorrow between 11am & 6.30pm.

Malvern Hills District Council were due to validate the planning application today and hopefully the full planning documentation should be available online from tomorrow.

TESCO TO RESUBMIT TENBURY STORE APPLICATION THIS WEEK

Press Release

Tesco has reiterated its commitment to the former cattle market site in Tenbury Wells and intends to resubmit its application to develop a store on the site this week.

Following ongoing consultation between Tesco and planning officials, local residents and key stakeholders, a number of design and landscaping changes have been made to the original scheme. The application, which was withdrawn in July, is expected to be resubmitted to Malvern Hills District Council on September 30^th.

The new scheme includes additional landscaping along the River Teme side of the site to alleviate flood risk and changes have also been made to the store approach, store design and site levels to improve the view from Teme Street. Plans to renovate the former fire station building remain in place.

The new store design proposes a circular entrance lobby to reflect the architectural character of the market building in Market Square and to enhance views of the store from the site entrance from Teme Street, a smaller service yard and improved landscaping at the rear of the site.

The delivery area at the back of Spar and the pedestrian link to Teme Street will also see improvements under the new proposals to improve the visual appearance of the proposed development.

Tesco is now inviting local people to view the new plans at an Information Day to be held at the Pump Rooms in Tenbury Wells from 11am to 6.30pm on Friday October 8^th.

Sophie Akokhia, Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco, said: “Since we withdrew our original application, we have continued the discussions that we were already under way and we have revised the scheme in line with feedback we have received.

“We have listened to local people and groups including the Chamber of Trade and Civic Society, and we’ve incorporated feedback to our plans where possible. We have also continued ongoing discussions with key organisations involved in this complex scheme, including the council, Environment Agency and Highways Agency. “As a result we feel we now have the best possible scheme for local people.

The proposed store is about two thirds of the size of our store in Ludlow and has been designed to be sympathetic to the local environment. It will offer choice and value, create new jobs for local people and keep trade within the town by eradicating the need for Tenbury residents to travel outside of the town to do their weekly grocery shop.

“We have already had some positive support from local shoppers and traders in the town but we would encourage people to come and see our new proposals and talk with members of the project team at the Pump Rooms on October 8^th.”

Worcester Evening News

Shropshire Star

Tenbury Advertiser have printed an article in the 30th September 2010 edition under an "exclusive" banner. (Deluded!)

Online version not yet available.

Tenbury - Where have all the people gone.

When I walked into town on Tuesday afternoon, Tenbury was like a ghost town. Several shop keepers were on the street just looking around.

The road between Tenbury and Leominster was closed at Leysters for repairs and had subsequently cut the amount of through traffic, but this shouldn't have have such a dramatic effect on the number of shoppers.

Perhaps it was the heavy grey clouds and the threat of rain that had put a dampener on the day.

I would be interested to hear if this was also the case in other towns? The official government statistic seem to indicate an uplift in retail spending, but this doesn't seem to be reflected locally. I did think that perhaps it was just quiet when I was in Town until I read this in the Shropshire Star.

One problem I do think needs addressing is the number of cars that park in Teme Street all day, in fact often for days at a time. I'm sure this dramatically reduces "opportunist" shopping, with passing trade doing just that, passing and not stopping.

Update 31/9/10 - See what the Shropshire Star has to say.

Tesco, determined to come to Tenbury

According to local press reports Tesco's are determined to open a store in Tenbury.

They are said to be in advanced discussion with planners and other statutory bodies and are expected to submit a revised plan by the end of the year.

Other commentators believe that Tesco's have an agreement with landowner Will Chase to submit an application within the next few weeks. If they fail to make the submission their existing "option" to develop will lapse.

The NoTenburyTesco campaign is keen to explore alternative uses for the site, but with Mr Chases recent divorce putting a rumored £16M dent in his finances he is bound to want to obtain maximum profit from the site.

A spokesperson for The Chamber of Trade, who decided not to officially object to the proposed development, have said that they had been misreported in the local press regarding their alleged approach to Tesco to invest in Tenbury's infrastructure.

Tenbury's Big Dig

Work was started today by the County archaeological service to investigate the archaeological history of the Cattle Market site. Although there is some confusion and conflicting newspaper articles about Tesco's intentions and whether they have abandoned the site or are planning to reapply with a new scheme the dig started as planned.

Update 27th July 2010 : Tesco's have confirmed to the Shropshire Star that they have not abandoned the site and will be making a new application.

Tenbury MP calls for action from Tesco

Tenbury MP Harriett Baldwin has called on Tesco to work with Tenbury if they want to build support for a new store.

Harriett Baldwin confirmed she has agreed to meet representatives from the company who are keen to work with the town to help fund significant improvements as well as building a new ‘eco-store’.

Harriett said: “I met with the Tesco Corporate Social Responsibility team and asked if the company could work with local residents to improve the town’s amenities.

“Of particular interest to me were proposals to help win extra funding for flood defences for the town, which are badly needed.

Harriett added: “Tesco representatives are keeping me informed of their plans and are answering my questions. The company is keen to hear local views on how it can best make a contribution to the community.

“I have actively suggested that they speak to the Environment Agency about the town’s need for investment in flood defences.”

.

www.harriettbaldwin.com/content/mp-calls-action-tesco

BBC Profile

Town Council consider Tesco application.

The Tenbury Town Council met tonight to consider the application to demolish the existing buildings on the cattle market site and the application to build a Tesco's "Environmental format" store.

There were a good number (25-30?) of people in the public gallery, but they were not allowed the participate in the meeting. The Town Cllrs have been taking written and verbal submissions from numerous people over the last few weeks. The one fact that has become clear is that there is no overall majority either for or against the store.

The meeting tonight was to discuss the proposal purely on planning grounds, and whilst this restricted what Cllrs could say, it produced a more focused result.

The main issues raised were:-

• Concern about the additional volume of vehicles in town.
• Concern about the effect that this would have on the bridge.
  (Should there be a weight limit?)
• Concern about the access to the site and the conflict between Spar delivery traffic and all traffic entering and leaving the Tesco site.
• Concern over the conflict between pedestrians and delivery vehicles at the entrance and within the car park area.
• Concern that the building was bland and not in keeping with the architecture of the town.
• Concerns about light pollution.
• Concerns that two hours free parking was insufficient to encourage people to also visit other shops in town.
• Concern about the visual aspect created on entering the town.
• Query whether the 180 jobs were local or included the whole supply chain.
• Acknowledgement that a lot of people locally already support Tesco either by visiting stores in Ludlow, Kidderminster or elsewhere or by having home delivery.

  (The exact wording of their submission will be available on the MHDC planning website in a few days.)

Three Cllrs declared an interest as either an employee of a Tesco competitor or as an employee of a supplier to Tesco.

Toilet back after 3 years.

The much delayed Market Street toilets are expected to open tomorrow.

It is now nearly 3 years since the Market Street wall collapsed after flash flooding in July 2007. The sluice valves that should have allowed the water to escape into the brook had not been maintained and had rusted closed. With nowhere to go the pressure and weight of the water caused the wall to collapse.

Read the full history of the wall (according to me)

Malvern District Council's version

BBC News

No Tenbury Tesco Poster Campaign

The first of the NO Tesco in Tenbury posters are starting to appear around town.

Designed and produced by the notenburytesco campaign group.

Tenbury Town Council to consider Tesco application.

The Tenbury Town Council are due to discuss both the Oldwood Road "affordable" homes project and the Tesco "Cattle Market" application at their meeting on Monday 7th June.

This is not an opportunity for members of the public to discuss the applications with Councillors, but short presentations can be made at the start of the meeting (subject to time being available).

The Town Council do not have any direct planning powers but their comments are considered along with any others when the application is brought before the Northern Area Development Control Committee at Malvern Hills District Council. Tony Penn, one of the Town Councillors is also a District Councillor, who sits on the MHDC Committee.

Phil Grove, Tenbury's District Councillor and Leader of Malvern Hills District Council has given an undertaking that the Planning meeting will be held in Tenbury probably in late August. He also sits on the Northern Area Development Control Committee.

All the planning application documents are now available on the MHDC website under Application Number 10/00561/FUL

Tesco shows plans for new store in Tenbury Wells

Local people turned out in force for a public exhibition of plans submitted by Tesco to build a new supermarket on the former Cattle Market site in Tenbury Wells.

The two-day exhibition in the Pump Rooms gave people a chance to see detailed proposals and meet members of the Tesco project team. Visitors were able to view the plans and many left feedback, which will be incorporated into the scheme where possible.

Tesco has submitted plans to Malvern Hills District Council to build a new store on the site, which would transform the disused former Cattle Market site and create new jobs for local people. The scheme would include parking for 102 cars and improved linkages to the River Teme.

Tony Fletcher, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: “We were delighted with the number of people that came to see the plans and talk with our project team. The feedback we received from residents in Tenbury Wells and the surrounding area has been invaluable.

“This exhibition gave local people the chance to see images and full details of the scheme for the first time and see how Tesco can work with local traders to improve the overall viability of the town centre.

“We are working closely with the council in order to provide all the necessary information and are hopeful that the application will be registered soon.”

(Tesco Press Release)

Town Council overspend by £17,000

At tonight's Annual Town Meeting I asked

"The Town Council accounts for the year 2008-2009 appear to show an overspend of nearly £17,000. As far as I recall this overspend was never mentioned at any Council meeting. Can you tell me what caused the overspend.

answering on behalf of the Council the Town Clerk said that

"As the Audit for 2008/9 has now been closed, the opportunity to ask questions in relation to that year has now passed"

I pointed out that this was the first public meeting at which questions could be asked since the accounts were published but was told that

"notices are posted informing the Public when questions relating to the accounts can be asked"

It was indicated that the £17,000 was probably due to a technical overspend were figures from one year are included in another due to collection or payment dates.

Whilst I agree that this may account for some of the money, it doesn't account for the full amount.

I'm not suggesting any financial impropriety, but I think it may relate to the relocation expenses, following the Council's move from Temeside House to the Pump Rooms.

We may never know, but keep you eyes posted for the 'audit period notices' because I predict another overspend will shortly appear (unless the figures are rolled forward into the 2010-11 budget.)

Tenbury Tesco - Artist Impression

The proposed new store will be environmentally friendly incorporating a sustainable timber frame and glass structure, providing a modern, contemporary feel. It will include 94 car parking spaces and a host of energy saving features that will help to reduce the store’s carbon footprint and ensure maximum energy efficiency.

Tenbury on the Small Screen

Tenbury Wells was seen on BBC TV this week as local couple Roland and Miranda Ballard who created the Muddy Boots Food brand expand their horizons and pitch their products to a major supermarket. (Waitrose)

Catch the program "High Street Dreams" on iplayer whilst you can.

Meet Roland & Miranda this coming weekend at the Teme Valley Food Fair on the Pump Room Car Park.

http://www.muddybootsfoods.co.uk

Keen eyes will also spot Tenbury's own Reverend Claire, and Edward Gallimore (Miranda's father).

Tesco Exhibition - Update

Tony Fletcher, corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said:

“The plans we will be showcasing in the town next week (May 18th and May 19th) are from the original application submitted on April 30th, which has yet to be registered by Malvern Hills District Council.

“It is quite usual for a council to require further reports and information before registering and validating a planning application and we are working with the planning officers to ensure that they have all the necessary information to do so as soon as possible.”