Store plan could be given go ahead (From Echo)

Store plan could be given go ahead

7:30am Saturday 14th January 2012 in Leigh By Chloe Chapman

PLANS for a convenience store in Leigh could be given the go-ahead by Southend Council, despite opposition from 150 people.

The former Barker Motors car showroom closed last year, nearly 40 years after it first opened in London Road, Leigh.

The applicant, who already runs the Costcutter store in Leigh Broadway, now wants to open another branch at the site, between Barnard Road and Sydney Road.

Southend Council officers have recommended approval of the plan, despite objections from nearby shopkeepers and a petition.

The proposal will be considered by councillors at a meeting in the next few weeks.

Moshin Raza, 24, who works at the Broadway branch, said: “Business is going really great here. That was one of the main reasons the owner wanted to go for one more shop. There is definitely enough custom to justify another store in Leigh.”

However, the view is not shared by shopkeepers, who feel there is no market for another shop in the area selling food and alcohol.

Imran Salmi, owner of Big News, on London Road, opposite the proposed Costcutter, started a petition, along with other shopkeepers, against the new store opening.

He said: “There are already three off-licence shops ten seconds away. It is not sensible to put another one there.”

Planning officer Darragh McAdam has recommended approval of the plan Arthur Perkins, chairman of the West Leigh Residents’ Association, supports the plans.

He said: “There isn’t a supermarket or anything similar in walking distance, so I think it will actually benefit people.

“I know small local shops might be affected, but unfortunately that’s the way things are these days.”

The petition was signed by 128 people, but the majority of those are not believed to live in the immediate area.

Southend Council received a further 21 objections from neighbours who had concerns about parking and alleged nuisance.

The new Costcutter store would open from 6.30am until 10pm every day and have parking at the back for customers.

The recommendation for the convenience store comes months after a proposal for a tyre storage station on the site was thrown out by Southend Council planning officers.

They were concerned the light industrial use would lead to an increase in traffic, excessive noise and would be out of character in the area.