Supermarket appeal to decide site's future

Published on 22nd March 2007 in News

A three-day appeal against the refusal of two planning applications to build a supermarket and a residential development in Howden is set to be held at Goole Leisure Centre next week.

In September last year, East Riding of Yorkshire Council's (ERYC) planning committee refused an application - put forward by Omnivale Ltd - to turn the former Geodis site in Howden into a Somerfield store, sheltered housing, town houses and a car park.

At the same time, a decision on a second application from the same developers for a residential development next to the first site was deferred by the committee.

Speaking at the time, Philip Parker, head of planning and development control at ERYC, said it was better to defer the second application and "let the whole design issue be dealt with holistically."

Initially, ERYC objected to the size and design of the proposed supermarket, claiming it was not big enough to meet the predicted increase in demand, and the design did not reflect Howden's character.

But earlier this week a spokesperson for ERYC told this newspaper that the council has withdrawn its objection to the size of the supermarket, leaving the issue over design the only objection that will go to next week's inquiry.

The spokesperson said: "It's true that the council will not be fighting the appeal on the size of the supermarket. The remaining objection is the design of the scheme, as it was felt the proposed building would not be in keeping with the historic nature of the town.

"However, it is not appropriate for the council to make any further comments ahead of an appeal."

Howden Town Mayor Ingrid Ridley said that the main reason Howden Town Council recommended refusal of the supermarket to ERYC was on the grounds of the traffic impact on Hailgate.

She added: "The Town Council is concerned that there is sufficient congestion around the town without adding to it. However, although the traffic issues formed part of the discussion for refusal by the councillors at the ERYC planning meeting, they were not a reason given for refusal and so do not form part of this planning appeal.

"The main reason for refusal by ERYC was that the proposed supermarket was too small, and our understanding is that the proposed store size is now acceptable to ERYC planners and just the design of the site is in under appeal.

"Howden Town Council is now anxious that if the appeal is allowed, then adequate parking is provided for the public and it is situated as close as possible to the existing town centre so supermarket shoppers are encouraged to walk to the existing shops, therefore maintaining the vitality of the town centre."

The planning inquiry begins on Tuesday, March 27 at Goole Leisure Centre, and is listed for three full days. Members of the public are welcome to attend.