Katesgrove Lib Dems

Every Little Hurts

 There has been a quite extensive false ceiling collapse at the Tesco Express in Crown Street which at the time of writing this is closed. Thankfully no one appears to have been injured.

I have asked the council to look into whether there have been any breaches of health and safety or planning rules.

Update:

1) It seems that Tesco are taking advantage of this site to keep themselves informed of developments in Katesgrove, so welcome. They have visited on the 8th, 10th, 23rd, 25th and 29th of June whilst their local lobbyists Green Issues based in South Street, have visited on the 10th, 11th, 19th, 22nd and 29th.

2) They also still cannot help letting their suppliers and contractors park on the pavement. It goes to the heart of our objections to their store in Crown Street. It is a completely unsuitable location.

Update (2):

And a car and a van parked there again tonight. Might be worth having a word with the PCSOs!

Update (3)

And bus lanes are for... Tesco delivery vehicles thank you very much.

Tesco Dancing

Now here's a curious thing. Gareth and I have been invited to a meeting with Tesco by Green Issues to discuss their Crown Street store.

Green Issues are a local company specialising in controversial planning applications. This is their 'mission statement':

Our mission is to support our clients in securing planning approvals for a range of developments through high quality political, communications and consultation services.

...or as the rest of us would characterise it, spin.

As far as I'm aware, the Tesco in Crown Street already has planning permission. As long as they stick to the terms and conditions of their existing planning permission, what possible purpose could they have in wanting to meet ward councillors? 

I can't think of one.

Whitley Street Building Works

I am currently dealing with complaints about the building work above 79-81 Whitley Street. If you would like to look it up the planning application reference it is: 07/01652/FUL. 

Working hours for the site should be 8am-6pm Monday-Friday and 8am-1pm Saturday. Work outside these hours should be referred to Environmental Protection. or you can contact us if you wish. I am aware of the work last Sunday and the planning enforcement team are looking into it. I've also had a query about the safety about the scaffolding which is not fenced off and accessible from the street.

There is also a planning request to turn the old HSBC bank unit into a fast food outlet. If you wish to object then you can do so online at: Planning Application Contact Form. The address is 81, Whitley Street and the planning application reference is: 09/00202/FUL.

It is worth noting that if an application is referred to Planning Application Committee then the total time to speak for all objectors is limited to 5 minutes, so if 5 people object and want to talk they will get one minute each. However, it is entirely up to you if you want to inform us of your objections so that we can help co-ordinate them. 

Update 18-03-2009: The application to turn the old HSBC bank into another fast food outlet has been recommended for refusal, so those of you who wrote or emailed the council have got a result. We'll keep an eye out in case it is appealed or resubmitted.