Supermarket application loses appeal (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Supermarket application in Upper Richmond Road loses appeal

3:16pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News By Paul Teed

A new supermarket in Richmond will not be allowed, after an appeal against refusal failed.

The planning inspector dismissed an appeal that would have allowed developers to convert Topps Tiles, in Upper Richmond Road, into a Sainsbury’s on the basis it should remain a business not a retail site.

Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith, who wrote a letter supporting the original rejection of change of use, welcomed the appeal refusal.

He said: “I had feared that the addition of yet another large supermarket on this road would critically affect small independent businesses in the area.

“I’m very pleased the planning inspector has listened to local concerns.”

The planning application to change the current site into a supermarket base was refused by Richmond Council’s planning department on June 17, 2011, but was appealed by applicant Multi-Tile ltd on behalf of Sainsbury’s.

The inspectorate’s decision regarding the appeal, made on Thursday, February 16, means the site cannot be used as a supermarket.

Issues that were cited in the refusal report referred to concerns about inadequate parking provision at the site and the impact increased levels of traffic associated with a large retail store would have on the area.

Councillor Lord True, leader of Richmond Council, said he was glad to be able to support local residents in their objection.

He said: “I’m delighted the Inspector has upheld our Conservative council’s decision to refuse planning permission for yet another supermarket in this part of London.

“This is an employment, not a retail site, and next to another employment site (the old telephone exchange) in East Sheen.”