Supermarkets unveil New Barnet development plans

8:13am Thursday 12th June 2008

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Tesco and Asda have come under fierce criticism from residents, MPs and councillors for their regeneration plans in New Barnet.

Both supermarkets unveiled their development proposals last weekend, but failed to convince people their projects would benefit the area.

New Barnet Community Association trustee David Howard believes neither application meets the standards expected by residents.

He said: "There are no redeeming features in the Tesco proposals. It doesn't own half the site, its buildings are ugly and it wants most of the new homes to be one and two-bedroom apartments, of which we already have a surplus in the area.

"Plus all traffic will come out on Victoria Road, which is so stupid it beggars belief.

"The Asda plan is better, with provision for three-bedroom houses and greater concern for the community, but it hasn't gone far enough."

Tesco's plans, which cover the area between East Barnet Road and Victoria Road, include a 45,000 sq ft Tesco store, 16 units of shops and restaurants, a piazza, 250 homes and "extensive" green space.

It also promises improved road capacity and free town centre parking.

Asda plans to develop the old gasworks site off Albert Road with a 78,038 sq ft store, a range of apartments, additional parking, and highway and environmental improvements.

Both sites would contain high-rise buildings of between six and eight storeys.

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers said she opposed both proposals.

She said: "Neither Tesco nor Asda have been able to persuade me they can deal with the traffic problems a new supermarket would generate.

"The density and height of the developments proposed by both Asda and Tesco is also a cause for concern. It would increase the pressure of traffic and would be out of keeping with the surrounding area of low-rise suburban homes."

Experts from Tesco's project team met more than 1,000 residents during the public exhibition, whereas Asda representatives met about 600.

James Wiggam, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: "We were delighted with the level of attendance and welcome the constructive feedback we received from residents. This will further influence our designs so they are aligned with local aspirations."

Tom McGarry, Asda property communications manager, urged anyone who did not attend the company's first exhibition to go to the second tomorrow and Saturday at the Salvation Army in Albert Road.

He said: "The feedback we receive this weekend will be hugely important in the development of our final scheme."