See revised parking analysis undertaken by SAVE below (May 2012)

_________________

Following consultations with the traders in The Street, The Ashtead Residents' Association, the S.A.V.E. group and the APMH Committee, Tesco held the public consultation part of the exercise before finally submitting the Planning Application to MVDC.

A public exhibition was held on Tuesday 24th January and everyone, commuters included, had the opportunity to see the proposed plans for the store and ask questions of Tesco staff and their various Consultants.

It is essential that anyone who has comments, for and against the store proposal should write to Mole Valley District Council now the final plans are published. You can comment on the planning application via the council's web site: Click here for the link.

See also the letter sent to residents in Ashtead from all seven Mole Valley District Councillors.

SAVE have also been busy reviewing Tesco's planning submission and have written to the planners with their comments, including a detailed analysis of Tesco's parking analysis.

Copies of SAVE's letter and parking analysis are available to view by clicking the links.

Remember though it is no good just commenting about the fact it is a Tesco store when there are others in relatively close proximity. Tesco own the site and have already secured planning permission once for a slightly larger store and a much enlarged car park. In addition other factors such as the new Woodfield lane junction, delivery times and opening hours have already been agreed by the Planning Inspector.

That said if residents have concerns regarding the adequacy of parking for this sized store, the adequacy of staff parking, concerns about deliveries and opening hours and requesting restrictions be placed on what can be sold to protect existing small traders in The Street, it is imperative these be voiced to Planning Officials and local Councillors. In addition make your comments known to the SAVE campaign.

The ARA has already voiced its own concerns regarding staff parking and whilst Tesco say they will encourage local people to apply for jobs and hold a 'Jobs Fair' at the APMH, nevertheless we believe many will still drive to work and will park in local roads adding to congestion.

The Residents' Association wants your thoughts. The views of Ashtead residents were polarised for the last Application, and it would seem the same situation prevails for this third Application. Your Committee will represent your views but it is important you let us know what you want. Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Some comments already received have expressed concerns that Tesco will force our existing traders to close. As a consequence of this we thought we would seek the views of the Ashtead Traders and find out what they really think. This is what Bryan Elphick, Chairman of Ashtead Traders has to say, "

"Ashtead Village Traders is the long established association of businesses on and immediately adjoining The Street, Ashtead.

With regard to the latest application for a Tesco metro store in the Street local people may be interested to know that the majority of our members are in favour of this development ASAP.

Whilst, in an ideal world, we would rather it was someone other than Tesco, the feeling is that without the increased footfall projected by such a scheme the village is in almost terminal decline.

Local residents may sign petitions against change but they are not supporting traders in sufficient numbers to keep the village viable.

Too many people are doing their day to day and weekly shopping elsewhere.

Quite what SAVE are trying to save is not clear to many of our Members…...

The success of independent Traders next to Tesco on Craddocks Parade, BECAUSE of Tesco, has undoubtedly taken trade from The Street and probably contributed to the imminent closure of both both Barclays Bank and Lloyds Chemist. Indeed it seems this would not have happened if the Tesco site had been developed earlier.

The scheme is slightly smaller and Traders' concerns as to front only access have been addressed so they see no reason for further delay.

Bryan Elphick

Chairman, Ashtead Village Traders."