Why we say no
We believe that a proposed Tesco store in Harrogate would be likely to adversely affect our community in many ways.
More traffic congestion
A new Tesco store would aim to bring in custom from a wide area, much of which would be by car. Tesco's original proposal predicted that a store would attract in excess of 250 daily visits by shoppers in vehicles. It's likely that motorists trying to get into any store car park would increase congestion.
The lorries servicing a new Tesco store would also cause congestion and other problems at delivery times.
Reduced road safety
Increased traffic congestion would make the local roads more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists and other road users.
There is already a bottle neck and high traffic levels very close to the proposed store. Increased traffic and inevitable queueing for any proposed store's car park will make these junctions and the crossing perilous.
Pavements nearby are narrow and parents have expressed concern about the safety of their children and themselves while using the footpaths.
Despite the existence of permit controlled parking zones and yellow lines, it is also likely that Tesco shoppers would persistently park in nearby streets if a store car park was full. Parking restrictions are unlikely to deter shoppers who intend to 'pop in' to a convenience store for 'only a few minutes'.
The closest likely street parking to a proposed store is near the junctions of Glendowne Terrace and Electric Avenue - with the likelihood that road visibilty would be reduced by the presence of parked cars at these junctions. Accidents have already taken place at these locations and the proposed store would increase the likelihood of future accidents.
More noise, litter and pollution
People living close to a proposed store would have to tolerate increased levels of noise from a a wide range of potential sources.
In itself, more shopper and delivery traffic will mean more noise for nearby residents - including the continual sound of idling engines and vehicles pulling away at the nearby junctions.
Vehicle doors and boots would be slammed shut in any store car park. Continual deliveries to a store would generate yet more noise. There would also be noise from cooling equipment sited at the rear of a proposed store.
Shoppers would not always use on-site bins to dispose of their rubbish meaning increased litter in the local area.
Increased traffic would lead to greater exhaust emissions and more pollution. More generally, supermarkets are less environmentally friendly than independent businesses. As well as encouraging a greater number of shopping trips by car, national chain stores transport their products far longer distances than would be necessary if they sourced more of their stock locally.
Threatening the unique character of the our area
A proposed store would have to fit with the character of a local built environment which is composed mainly of attractive Victorian era bulidings.
The site is on the boundary of Nidd Gorge. This reinforces the architectectural and visual importance of the neighbourhood and means that any proposed new building must meet stringent design criteria.
Most other local businesses are in a well established parade and are incorporated into buildings in keeping with the character of the neighbouring built environment.
A new Tesco store could threaten the survival of the many highly valued independent businesses in the local area. The New Park ward area is a special place to live and one of its key features is its 'villagey' feel which is partly due to the presence of many locally owned and long established specialist outlets that, in combination, already sell the range of products likely to be stocked by the proposed Tesco store.
