Tesco’s fury as ASDA store proposals given go-ahead

Apr 7 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

TESCO are ‘reviewing’ plans for a supermarket in Larkhall after bitter rivals Asda were given the go-ahead to build a store in the town.

South Lanarkshire Council’s planning committee on Tuesday approved plans in principle for a 20,000ft Asda supermarket and petrol station in Broomhill Gate behind Larkhall Leisure Centre.

Work will begin in autumn on the store, creating 160 jobs.

Tesco want to build a 25,000ft store on the council’s preferred site, on land occupied by Larkhall Thistle and part of Raploch Bowling Club.

But last Friday Tesco sent three letters objecting to Asda’s store and called for it to be refused.

They threatened to shelve their Tesco store if Asda’s plans were approved and said that would put in jeopardy the relocation of Larkhall Thistle and investment to Raploch Bowling Club.

They added the council would lose cash from the sale of land in Hareleeshill used to relocate Thistle.

Doug Wilson, Tesco spokesman, said “We are disappointed by the decision taken by the council that could jeopardise our proposals for the council's preferred supermarket site and impact upon our plans for both the bowling club and football club.

“This decision effectively renders meaningless any allocation made in the Local Plan and runs contrary to planning policy.

“We will be reviewing our options in light of this decision.”

Michael McGlynn, head of planning, told councillors on the committee that it was up to Tesco to proceed with their proposals and said they had been given enough time to facilitate their development.

“There is support for Tesco’s proposal in principle,” he added.

“Should Tesco decide not to proceed that is a decision for them to take and explain to Larkhall Thistle and Raploch Bowling Club.”

Planners recommended the Asda proposal after it was significantly reduced in size and the applicants promised to spend £5million to improve roads in the area.

The Asda store, which would have parking facilities for 235 vehicles, will be accessed via a new roundabout between Broomhill Road and Church Street with an extra roundabout near the leisure centre on Broomhill Road.

Residents were concerned about traffic noise, environmental impact.

Traders in Union Street were anxious about the impact the store would have on existing town-centre shops.

Mr McGlynn insisted both Asda and Tesco stores were viable and would not have a detrimental impact on Larkhall town centre or Hamilton.

Philip Bartram, Asda spokesman, said: “We are looking forward to bringing more choice and competition to the area and creating employment opportunities.”

Larkhall Labour councillor Jackie Burns, deputy leader of the council, said the Asda store will bring an economic boost to the town.

“I would like to see Tesco concluding a deal with Larkhall Thistle and Raploch Bowling Club and their application going before the planning committee.

“I am concerned about the traffic impact around the Asda development and hope that can be addressed.”

Larkhall SNP councillor Lesley McDonald said: “I am delighted that the Asda store was approved.

“It will bring much-needed 160 jobs to the area.”