Neighbour blasts plans for new convenience store in Stroud

Yahoo

2 days ago

A NEIGHBOUR has blasted plans for a new convenience store at a key site in Stroud.
New proposals were lodged last month to Stroud District Council to convert the former Bristol Street Motors showroom in London Road into a new convenience store which also includes plans for a new roof, shopfront and signage.
This is the second attempt to revitalise the graffiti strewn site described as a 'horrible, neglected eyesore' and which closed two years ago.
Previous plans to demolish the car dealership and build more than 30 homes were refused by Stroud District Council.
The new plans - for a store which would sell food, household products and more - also includes twenty parking spaces.
But a nearby neighbour has blasted the plans, raising traffic concerns to the already busy London Road route.
They said: "Our principal concern relates to the shared access road which leads directly to our private residential driveway.
"This access is already difficult to navigate, the need to reverse in and out, with the presence of pedestrians using the route.
"Introducing additional traffic generated by a convenience store-operating from 6am to 11pm seven days a week would significantly hinder our access/exit from our property increasing the hazard risk.
"In particular vehicles turning into the site from London Road would conflict directly with us exiting our drive.
"Reversing and manoeuvring onto our driveway while navigating traffic entering the site poses a potential higher safety risk to all.
"The change in use would directly and negatively affect our family's quality of life.
"Anticipated issues include the increased noise pollution from car doors, engines, exhausts, late-night customer activity and antisocial behaviour.
"There is also the issue of light pollution from vehicle headlights and site lighting, particularly intrusive during evening and night hours.
"Delivery vehicles and customers could potentially block or obstruct our only access.
"We are not opposed to appropriate development of the site.
"A small-scale, well-designed business with normal trading hours and limited traffic impact could be more suitable.
"However, this particular proposal, with its extended hours and intensive use, is not in keeping with the character of the area and lacks sensitivity to its neighbours.
"I would welcome a more thoughtful and balanced proposal for the site that properly considers the needs and safety of existing residents."
Stroud town councillor Lucas Schoemaker plans to 'call in' the application – meaning that it will be subject to a full discussion by councillors on the development control committee.
A statement - on behalf of the applicant - read: 'The provision of a convenience store on the east side of Stroud will fulfil the need for a store where customers will benefit from shorter cashier lines and longer opening hours selling food, grocery supplies, household products, hygiene products, toiletries, and other items similar to items on sale in larger supermarkets
'The nearest similar stores are at Brimscombe and the Tesco at Bussage.
'Twenty parking spaces including two staff and two accessible will be marked out in front of the building
'The building which has been unoccupied and boarded up since June 2023 provides a suitable location for a convenience store, with good access and adequate parking.'
In July 2023 Bristol Street Motors closed its doors for good - the site had been used for the motor trade for six decades.
See the plans - tinyurl.com/2v944xna