TESCO KIRKSTALL PLANS RECEIVE LOCAL SUPPORT
New planning application submitted for supermarket, shops and community facility
Tesco has submitted a new planning application for the mostly derelict site in the centre of Kirkstall after revised proposals were met with support from local residents (some of which are pictured right).
After Tesco received a positive response at a public exhibition on the new plans in September, a group of Kirkstall residents has come together to back Tesco’s regeneration project.
Ms Ann Fitzgerald from Vesper Grove in Kirkstall said: “I fully support the proposals. The area is crying out for something like this to happen and we have waited too long for the site to be developed. Tesco will bring shopping choice and new jobs to Kirkstall which are badly needed in this recession.”
Over 150 residents attended Tesco’s public exhibition over two days in September to view new plans to bring a supermarket, shops and a community centre to the heart of Kirkstall, creating around 400 jobs. Of the feedback received, 62% of residents supported the plans with only 18% objecting.
The proposals have changed significantly from the scheme Tesco submitted in 2011, taking into account the council’s aspiration to see a new design and smaller store.
Simon Lewis who lives opposite the site said: “I went to the consultation with an open mind. I think the proposals are fantastic and you can see there has been a lot of effort put into getting the design of the store right. This proposal will bring some much needed investment to the local area and I can’t wait for it to happen.”
A number of improvements are proposed as part of the revised scheme including road widening on Kirkstall Hill and Commercial Road, enhanced pedestrian crossings around the site, improved bus stops with seats and real-time information and new cycling facilities.
Paul Long from Eden Crescent added: “I’m fully behind these proposals. Tesco is proposing to make some significant improvements to the surrounding area and I’m particularly pleased to see the road widened on Kirkstall Hill, making the area much safer.”
Deborah Hayeems, corporate affairs manager at Tesco said: “We are delighted with the positive response we received from local people at our consultation. The clear message was that most people would like us to get on with our new plans – this site has been an eyesore for many years and we’ve got a fantastic scheme to bring it back to life. We’ve now submitted our new application and hope to have a decision from Leeds Council early in the new year.”
You can find the details of the planning application here and the main visuals for the design are here
