Here is an email letter written by two local resident, who have forwarded me a copy and agreed that it can be published on the website. This is a good model for anyone wishing to object to the proposed sale of the College Land to a supermarket chain:
To: cllr.susan.ingham@stockport.gov.uk
Cc: paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk
Cc: democratic.services@stockport.gov.uk
Cc: enquiries@andrewstunell.org.uk
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2011 3:59 PM
Subject: Supermarket at College site
Dear Councillor Ingham,
Proposed sale of Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College Hibbert Lane campus to supermarket
We are writing to protest against the proposed sale and redevelopment. We understand this is being discussed by Marple Area Committee on Wednesday.
We realise that the college is obliged to make the best profit possible from the sale of their site and that it is is a “brown field site” appropriate for redevelopment. We are also aware that it may be argued that the coming of another supermarket to Marple may bring jobs.
Nevertheless we believe that the proposed redevelopment is not appropriate for the following reasons:
Small businesses are the heart of the High Street.
The new supermarket may bring some jobs but it is likely to put existing ones in jeopardy. Shoppers coming to the new supermarket are likely to do all their shopping under the one roof and then go home. This would be to the detriment of the small quality shops in Marple such as the butchers, bread shops and delicatessens and newsagents. Many of these businesses are long established; and their owners work hard themselves and employ several assistants.
If these small businesses close for lack of custom, local jobs will be lost and the “High Street “ will be compromised. Fewer people are likely to patronise the surviving businesses and there may be a downward spiral removing the “heart” from the town.
Small businesses promote a sense of community
The small shopkeepers get to know their clientele and offer personal service not to be found in supermarkets. There is always time to talk to customers in small Marple shops. This contributes to a feeling of community,
Going from shop to shop one meets friends and neighbours, and that helps to promote a feeling of community too.
The existing local businesses tend to be committed to the civic good and participate wholeheartedly in community events such as the local Carnival, the Autumn Festival, and the July Boat Festival etc. Marple needs the energy and good will of these independent traders.
We already have sufficient supermarkets in this part of Stockport
There are already two supermarkets – the large central Co-op and the smaller one at the petrol station at the bottom of Church Lane. There is a convenience store at Rose Hill and several other shops selling food items, such as the newsagents next to the baths and the petrol station opposite. Marple is a small community and does not need another supermarket. There are also supermarkets at nearby Romiley, on the A6 at Hazel Grove, and in Stockport.
Traffic Implications
The roundabout on Hibbert Lane was not designed to cope with a large volume of traffic.
The bottom of Hibbert Lane is narrow and difficult to negotiate especially if cars are parked on the road and /or there are on-coming buses.
A new supermarket will generate traffic at all hours, not only from shoppers and workers, but also from delivery lorries. Marple cannot cope with any more delivery lorries on the A626. The Hibbert Lane roundabout and Hibbert Lane will not be able to cope with the increased volume of traffic either.
Noise and fumes produced by the extra traffic will be detrimental to the quality of life in Marple.
The supermarket will cause problems with traffic and parking in surrounding roads. Currently there is a problem with lorries using the narrow bottom of Church Lane. They are likely to come this way to the new supermarket using their sat navs. Similarly if they come along Union Road they are unlikely to be able to successfully turn into Church Lane at the junction and will have to turn or reverse back,
Existing designation of site
I understand that the site is designated for residential use.
Alternative suggestions for use of this site.
Use for Social Housing
Marple lacks affordable housing and social housing. It would be lovely to see site redeveloped by a Housing Association with a mix of small housing units to rent and to buy through shared equity scheme.
Use for a combined Health Centre
Doctors’ surgeries at Marple and Marple Bridge do not have adequate parking for staff and patients. Why not have a combined Health Centre with pharmacy and parking as at Woodley?
Please do not allow this application for change of use to allow a supermarket to be built on this site (or any similar application).
Two concerned residents of Marple.