A SECOND attempt from Tesco to open a convenience store in Redhill is facing fierce opposition.
Despite being refused planning permission less than a year ago, the supermarket chain is once again seeking to open an Express store on the Abbey Citroen site in Hatchlands Road, Shaw's Corner.
As well as changing the building's use, Tesco wants to build a single-storey extension at the back and provide six parking spaces and six cycle spaces.
In March 2014, councillors threw out the idea because of traffic safety concerns and the proposed building's appearance in a Conservation Area.
Tesco has made some alterations in its latest application including plans for a pedestrian crossing, two extra cycle spaces and an extension covering 109sqm, rather than the previous 102sqm.
Tesco's comeback has not being welcomed by residents however.
On Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's planning site, dozens of objections have been made.
Anne Coombes said: "The garage is sited on a blind corner and there is a history of serious accidents on this bend of the A25.
"My fear is that this type of retail use would dramatically increase the risk of further accidents as motorists emerge from the side road onto the A25 on a very dangerous corner. I fear that lives may be lost."
Nick Peers said it was "a development too far for Redhill" and the parking provision was "inadequate".
Carolyn Shaw said: "There are already three independent mini-marts in the neighbourhood and another store will impact on their established businesses and is totally unnecessary."
Simon Pinto added the area was an "accident blackspot" and was already "saturated" with supermarket outlets.
Tesco says it has addressed concerns raised by planning officers which resulted in the previous application's refusal.
In its application, it proposes a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing to the west of the site and a pedestrian "refuge" on the other side, with a dropped kerb and tactile paving to "ensure the safe passage of pedestrians".
It also downplays concerns about increased traffic in and out of the site, saying the predicted level of traffic "equates to less than one vehicle seeking to enter the site every two minutes during a peak hour and less than one vehicle every two minutes seeking to exit the site in the same time period. This level of traffic is not expected to have any material effect upon traffic congestion or capacity."
It acknowledges its proposed car parking spaces fall two below Surrey County Council's recommended number, but said the off-street parking could make up the shortfall.
It also argues the appearance of the planned building would be a "vast improvement" over the existing site.
It concludes: "The intention is to provide a high standard of shopping in a modern and attractive store to meet the convenience needs of the resident population.
"The intention is to largely serve a walk-in catchment and thus reduce the need to travel by car."
Tesco also claims the new store would hire at least 20 members of staff in full and part time roles.
The borough council aims to decide whether to grant permission by March 6.
What do you think of the plans? Let us know by calling the newsdesk on 01737 783867 or e-mail editor@surreymirror.co.uk
