Teed off at tesco (From Barry And District News)

Teed off at tesco

AROUND 400 people packed into Highlight Park Community Centre on Tuesday night to send a loud and clear message to Tesco - don't build your superstore on Brynhill Golf course.

The meeting followed an admission last week by the retail giants that they were in discussion with the golf club over plans to build a Tesco Extra store, including a petrol station, on its land.

Local representatives including Assembly Members Jane Hutt and Alan Cairns attended the meeting, which was so full that some people were unable to get through the door.

Vale MP John Smith was unable to attend due to parliamentary commitments, but his local government consultant Mike Sharp was sent along to speak on his behalf.

The general consensus among the invited speakers was that the superstore plans should be fought mainly on planning grounds, particularly the fact that the development area would extend into greenbelt land.

However, the speakers also said that any letters of objection sent to the council"s planning committee should mention the traffic congestion on Port Road and the effect on other retail businesses in the town.

Jane Hutt said: "I am opposed to any plans by Tesco to develop on Barry's greenbelt land.

"The proposals would have a huge impact on the local environment, and are bound to create significant traffic problems and have an impact on retail businesses in Barry."

She also urged attendees to sign a petition and to lobby golf club members in the run-up to a crucial vote on the plans next week.

Members will vote on whether to accept or reject the superstore plans at a meeting at Bryn Hafryn Comprehensive School on Thursday, January 19.

If they approve the plans, a public exhibition will be held at the golf club on Monday, January 23 and Tuesday, January 24, followed by an ongoing in-store exhibition in Tesco.

A planning application will be submitted to the Vale Council following these consultations.