December 2012
Planners Likely to Refuse Supermarket
An independent retail advisor published a report last week estimating the proposed supermarket could take up to 90 per cent of trade from the town centre - but those in favour of the store say there was nothing independent about it.
In Dr Richard Doidge’s report, prepared for the planning case officer Louise Koelman, he suggests the development - which includes a new supermarket, petrol station and housing - should be refused on retail grounds because it would have a “significant adverse impact” on Shipston’s town centre.
And controversially, in an e-mail seen by the Heraldthis week, Ms Koelman said: “In light of the comments from our retail consultant, we are likely to be recommending refusal with respect to the supermarket impact on Shipston-on-Stour.
“I must stress however that until my committee report is finalised, that this is my initial assessment.”
But her initial assessment shocked those in Shipston in favour of a supermarket.
Jeff Kenner, the new Labour district councillor for the town and pro-supermarket, said: “I am surprised that they’re doing that. As I understand it they would not normally indicate their decision before the report.”
Cllr Kenner went further and questioned the independence of Dr Doidge’s report, which concluded that a new supermarket is likely to lead to a “spiral of decline” of the town centre’s shops.
“I have serious concerns about this retail review which only takes into account the views of objectors to the supermarket proposal and falls short of an independent retail impact assessment.”
“I have asked the council to provide me with an explanation of the brief given to Dr Doidge and the reasons why he has only taken into account the views of objectors to the proposal. This inevitably gives the impression that the report is one-sided.
“I have also identified a number of inaccuracies in the report and have concerns about reliance on data that is out of date.”
The debate on whether to build a supermarket on greenfield land off Campden Road has been raging in the town since Ainscough Strategic Land applied for the development in February this year.
The whole town has been divided on the issue, sparking several ferocious public meetings, and pushing the date of the decision on the application further back and back.
The issue has sparked two rival groups, the anti-supermarket Shipston Heart Alive campaign (SHAC), and the pro-supermarket Shipston Needs a Supermarket (SNAS).
After Dr Doidge’s report, William Trevithic from SHAC said: “This report confirms the concerns we have been voicing for many months - it is the bigger picture that people campaigning for the supermarket need to see.
“I am sure nobody in Shipston wants to see the town centre wither and die, whether or not they are in favour of the proposed supermarket.”
But Rob O’Malley, a supporter of SNAS said it was totally unacceptable that the findings of Dr Doidge’s report were only passed to the anti-supermarket brigade.
“This process should be transparent for all if we are to believe in the concept of localism,” he said.
“Even by Dr Doidge’s own admission, the research was conducted at his desk in Surrey and only objectors to the proposals were consulted.
“There are as many supporters as there are objectors and their views are just as valid. “The report is full of inaccuracies and fails to challenge the fundamental finding that 72 per cent of Shipston people shop out of town. I find it inexplicable that the council may recommend refusal of the application based on Dr Doidge’s review.”
Stratford District Council's planning committee (east) will meet on Thursday January 24th at 6pm in Shipston High School to consider the planning application.
From the Stratford Herald.
Christmas Site Live
The brand new look to Shipston Online is now live! You will find lots of festive goodies and lots of new features too! We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and we really hope you enjoy the new site!
Special Guests Welcome
Shipston High School welcomed three special guests to an awards evening to present more than 120 prizes to both past and present students. During the awards evening the school celebrated an outstandingly successful year, including its pupils’ achievements in the 2012 examinations. The three guests of honour, rocket engineer Daniel Jubb and former Shipston school students, twins Hattie and Sophie Taylor, presented many varied awards and special prizes before giving speeches to the audience. Mr Jubb spoke enthusiastically about the Bloodhound project to break the land speed record, and his passion for British engineering which he described as a “brilliant adventure”.
The vote of thanks was given by head prefects Stephen Neath and Daisy Dingley, who reminded the audience that the Shipston High School badge is featured on the tail fin of the Bloodhound.
Headteacher Jonathan Baker said: “Each of our three guests of honour was inspirational in his or her own ways. They helped to make it a very memorable evening which we always celebrate in a special Shipston way.
Particularly pleasing was to have so many leavers coming back to join us and hearing how well they are all doing since they have moved on to sixth form or to college.”
Shipston Supermarket: THE DEBATE
Contraversial plans to build a supermarket on the edge of Shipston-on-Stour was unanimously on Thursday night (24/01/13) at a lengthy and heated meeting in the town. All ten members of a planning committee voted against the proposal to build a supermarket, a petrol station, and housing, on greenfield land in between the Norgren site and the town.
Background:
Ainscough Strategic Land have applied for outline planning permission to build a supermarket on the land off Campden Road on the edge of town, and the issue has mixed opinion in Shipston.
Alongside the supermarket, Ainscough have also proposed building a petrol station, a retirement development comprising 80 cottages and 50 apartments, as well as 54 residential homes. Two rival groups evist in the town and the debate has been raging for months.
Shipston Heart Alive (SHAC) are against over-development in the town, believe the supermarket would kill off the town centre, and disagree with building a major development on a greenfield site.
Shipston Needs a Supermarket (SNAS) argue the majority of people in the town do not want to travel to Stratford to do their main shop, and say the small Co-operative stores are too expensive.
Traffic Wardens
A number of you have written in or tweeted that you would like to see more done to prevent cars parking on the double yellow lines in the High Street. Many are saying that in parking here the High Street is clogged up and it makes it very difficult to park and leave a parking space in the town.
Ilmington Get Outstanding
We are pleased to announce that Ilmington Primary School were awarded 'Oustanding' under the new framework after its recent OFSTED inspection.
Date Set for Crucial Vote
Ainscough Strategic Land have applied for outline planning permission to build a supermarket on the land off Campden Road on the edge of town, and the issue has polarised opinion in Shipston.
Alongside the supermarket, Ainscough have also proposed building a petrol station, a retirement development comprising 80 cottages and 50 apartments, as well as 54 residential homes.
Two rival groups have been set up in the town and the debate has been raging for months.
Shipston Heart Alive (SHAC) are against over-development in the town, believe the supermarket would kill off the town centre, and disagree with building a major development on a greenfield site.
Shipston Needs a Supermarket (SNAS) argue the majority of people in the town do not want to travel to Stratford to do their main shop, and say the small Co-operative stores are too expensive.
Stratford District Council’s planning committee are meeting at 6pm on Thursday 24th January at Shipston High School.
More Flood Protection?
With the ever uboredictable weather we seem to get, is it time to look closer at the effect of flooding in Shipston. What do you think Shipston should do about it's vulnerability to flooding, or do you think it's not even really an issue and just a freak of nature?
Shipston By-Election Result
Three candidates contested the seat at the Shipston ward for Stratford-on-Avon District Council on Thursday 29 November.
The by-election follows the resignation of Jonathan Gullis (Conservative) in October.
The result is:
- Jeffrey Simon Kenner (Labour) 613 votes - elected
- Marion Lowe (Conservative) 431 votes
- Laura Elizabeth Nelson (Liberal Democrat) 575 votes
The electorate for the Shipston ward is 4110
Turnout for this election was 39.56%.
Turnout for the last contested election in Shipston in May this year was 42.7%
The current political make-up of the District Council's 53 seats is:
- Conservatives 32 seats
- Liberal Democrats 16 seats
- Independents 2 seats
- Stratford First Independents 2 seats
- Labour 1 seat
Mayor's Report, December
It was a delight to be invited to present the trophies at the Shipston on Bloom annual Presentation Evening to the winners of the town garden competition.I would like to thank the committee and helpers for all of the time and hard work they put in to ‘Keep Shipston Blooming’---without a doubt the beautiful floral displays around our town keep it looking so vibrant.
I spent a fun morning at Shipston Primary School as a judge at the ‘Bake Off’—some of the cakes which the pupils had made were sensational---the only disappointing part for me was not being able to actually taste any!! I am looking forward to returning to School later this month when l begin my ‘Meet the Mayor’ sessions, starting with year 6.
The Town Band Centenary Concert at the Townsend Hall was a truly wonderful occasion.The Band played some superb music featuring various pieces that they have performed in their repertoire over the years. It was great to see past conductors up on the stage along with the very talented Kirsty Abbots.The junior band were fantastic and the finale when all past members joined in was an amazing end to the evening.
Many congratulations to Shipston Sports Club for organising such a superb Bonfire and Fireworks display.The scene was set with a beautiful moonlit night before l lit the bonfire along with the Town Crier and the stunning firework display lit up the sky.
On Remembrance Sunday Shipston Town Band led the parade followed by members of Shipston branch of the Royal British Legion and other Shipston organisations. l felt privileged and proud to be part of the parade in my role as Mayor and honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of Shipston Town Council and the townspeople of Shipston at the War Memorial.The packed service at St Edmunds Church was very emotive and emotional as we remembered by name all those from Shipston who gave up their lives at War.
We have been proud to represent Shipston at the Judicial Service of the High Sheriff of Warwickshire and the Civic Service of the Mayor of Leamington.We also attended along with the Deputy Mayor a Drum Head Service at Whitnash
We have also attended the Civic Dinners of the Mayor of Southam and the Chairman of Stratford District Council.
Victorian Evening
The Rotary Victorian Evening has become an integral part of the Shipston-on-Stour calendar. Fun for all the family, good for local shops and businesses and an important part of the fund raising plans of many local charities and good causes.
This year will be no exception with special guests Paralympic Gold Medallist James Roe and torchbearer Camilla Hadland opening the proceedings. There will be the usual market stalls and many others. Street entertainment including Fire Eaters, Ukelele Band, Punch and Judy, Face Painting and don’t forget children FATHER CHRISTMAS WILL BE IN HIS GROTTO. Shops and Businesses in the Town will be participating in the ‘Diamond Jubilee’ Themed Best Dressed Window competition and much more.
SHIPSTON ROTARY VICTORIAN EVENING SHIPSTON TOWN CENTRE 7 DECEMBER 2012 6PM – 8PM