Planning policy may end supermarket war (From Times Series)

Planning policy may end supermarket war in New Barnet

3:14pm Wednesday 18th August 2010 in News By Duncan Smith

RESIDENTS remain in the dark over plans by supermarket giants Tesco and Asda to open new superstores in New Barnet — but opponents have been heartened this week by the suggestion that such developments will not be “encouraged”.

The two big retailers have locked horns and both own sites in New Barnet. But no plans are likely to be formally submitted until Barnet Council has finalised its planning strategy, which could spell an end for both proposals.

East Barnet ward member Councillor Robert Rams (Cons) suggested this week that supermarket developments may not be “encouraged” by Barnet Council in its yet-to-be-approved planning strategy document.

The ruling cabinet of Barnet Council will meet in November to approve the document, officially called the Town Centre Framework for New Barnet, that will set out a vision for planning in the town centre in the years ahead.

Cllr Rams said: “The Town Centre Framework for New Barnet will help decide the type of developments that happen, and it will not encourage supermarket development. The council has backed calls for residential development and family housing with a small amount of retail development.”

Campaigners opposed to the plans hope the planning guidance will spell an end to the supermarket turf war which has broken out in New Barnet.

John Dix, spokesman for the Save New Barnet Campaign, said: “We’ve been opposed to the superstores because of the impact they would have on traffic congestion and because there is no evidence that residents want or need any new ones.”

Asda has plans to redevelop the gasworks site to the north of East Barnet Road. The company’s proposal, submitted to the council in February 2009 involved the demolition of existing buildings at the site to make way for a 10,500-sq-metre supermarket, 211 residential units, shops, restaurants, car parking and community space.

However, Asda withdrew the planning application just 48 hours before the council was due to consider it in May.

Tesco owns an area of land between Victoria Road and East Barnet Road, although the company has yet to submit a formal application.

Sainsbury’s already has a large store in East Barnet Road. Mr Dix added: “We don’t favour Sainsbury’s, but we are also opposed to these supermarkets because of the possible effect they will have on the Sainsbury’s store.

“We don’t want one derelict site to be redeveloped on one side of the road, only to create another derelict site on the other side by putting Sainsbury’s out of business.”

The council’s cabinet is due to consider the planning framework at its meeting on November 29.