Traders divided over Morpeth green store plans

Posted by Simon Honeysett on Oct 17, 08 11:31 AM in News

TRADERS in Morpeth are being asked to make their position clear on plans to build a 200-job 'green' supermarket on its outskirts.

Members of Morpeth chamber of trade will vote at their next meeting on whether to support or oppose Tesco's bid for the 20,000sqft store on the town's Coopies Lane industrial estate.

The vote will help decide whether the chamber maintains its long-standing opposition to any plans for out-of-town retail development - and reflects a feeling that the membership is split over the Tesco bid.

New chairman Stuart Lishman has tabled a motion to next week's meeting calling for a formal vote on whether to object to the scheme or give its backing.

The move comes as Tesco bosses claim a recent public consultation exercise in
Morpeth revealed 85% support for its supermarket proposal. The company also says the vast majority of existing businesses at Coopies Lane - which employ 450 people - are in favour of the scheme.

Tesco's interest in Morpeth comes at the same time as retail rival Sainsbury's is planning a 35,000sqft, 200-job supermarket on the edge of the town and Marks & Spencer is preparing to open a major new store as part of the £32m town centre shopping redevelopment.

The chamber of trade has strongly opposed previous plans to develop supermarkets and major DIY stores on the edge of Morpeth, claiming they would harm the vitality of the town centre.

Yesterday, Mr Lishman said the recent Tesco and Sainsbury's proposals, allied with a desire from local people for more supermarket choice, meant it was time for the chamber of trade to review its stance.

"There is a very big difference of opinion within the chamber on this issue and that is why I am calling for a clear vote and a mandate on the Tesco application. We are a democratic organisation and are currently re-writing our strategy document for the future."

Tesco will shortly submit a formal planning application for the Coopies Lane store, which will include a 'hopper' bus service to and from the town centre.

Corporate affairs manager Doug Wilson said: "We have been extremely encouraged by the very positive response to our proposal. The overwhelming majority want more choice of supermarkets in Morpeth.''

The proposed store would be the first in the North East of a new generation of 'green' Tesco buildings - including timber frames and cladding , extensive use of natural lighting, a combined heat and power plant and a wind turbine to generate energy.

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