Talking to Tesco

About 100 people came along to a Public Meeting on 17th November which had been organised by Epsom's Lib Dems. Local residents were given an opportunity to exchange views on Tesco's proposals for Upper High Street.

Chaired by ex councillor Paul Linscott, most of the meeting was an open forum with comments and questions being put by local residents. Some of the queries raised were about process and procedures relating to planning applications and about the council's role in the Upper High Street development site. The meeting was invited to have questions fielded direct to Tesco Stores, with senior management there having already given an undertaking to answer any questions within 5 days : they were unable to send a full team to attend the meeting in person.

Comments ranged from concern about the size and height of the plans, its proximity to a conservation area, the effects on other traders in Upper High Street and the loss of a public car park. However, a resident spoke in favour of the plans and there was general acknowledgement that many local people support Tesco's proposals for a supermarket and car park.

Questions and comments were recorded at the meeting. Via email, questions relevant to Tesco and the planning application were dispatched on 18th November. Responses are expected within 5 working days. Anyone who would like to receive a copy of the questions and responses, and who has not already registered, can put in a request via email to Julie Morris at jorrisam@aol.com or send a message via this website.

The planning application is expected to be heard at December's planning committee on Thursday 10th December.