Tesco re-submits plans for Barbourne store - The Worcester Observer

Tesco re-submits plans for Barbourne store

Worcester Editorial 16th Apr, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

FEARS have been raised that Barbourne could become overrun with supermarkets after Tesco resubmitted its controversial plans to build a store in the area.

The supermarket giant wants to create a Tesco Express as well as 12 apartments on the site of a former petrol station on Barbourne Road.

The same application was rejected by Worcester City Council in 2008 after planning chiefs felt Tesco had failed to prove the store would not have an adverse impact on local traders.

The news was met with a collective sigh of relief in the area, but the scheme has now been re-submitted, which has sparked fresh fears by shop owners.




It also comes just two months after a petition was launched by traders to stop proposals to transform In-Toto furniture store on Barbourne Road into a Sainsbury’s Local.

And Kanthasamy Sriprabakaran, manager at The Modern Newsagents, said he would be left with no option but to close his business if Tesco and Sainsbury’s arrive in the area.


“There are too many stores in this small village and the council has to think about this,” he said.

“You can build a residential apartments, but if the council agrees to the store then what does that say for self-employed business people. None of them will think about buying a shop or newsagents here as they will be within 500 yards of a Tesco, Asda and a Sainsburys.”

About 20 jobs will be created at the Tesco Express, but Coun Joy Squires, councillor for the area, said she expected the plans to generate even more opposition.

“Having spoken to local residents in connection with the Sainsbury’s Local application they have remained me that they were against the Tesco Express because they felt it was completely the wrong location due to people pulling on and off the main road to get to it, which they believed would be quite chaotic,” she said.

“I have not had any direct contact with anyone yet, but I would anticipate there would be local opposition to it again.”

Simon Petar, corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said: “This proposed Express store will create local jobs, homes and more choice for the local area. We look forward to working with the community as the plans progress and we will keep residents updated thoughout.”

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