Co-op plans to expand car park

Proposals to expand a Co-op supermarket car park in Cheltenham will be deliberated next week.

Midcounties Co-Operative wants permission to demolition a bungalow next to their Leckhampton Road store.

Their scheme also includes new grey external cladding and signage for the shop.

Cheltenham Borough Councillor Martin Horwood (Lib Dem, Leckhampton) referred the proposals to the planning committee over concerns about the loss of pavement, road safety and because the scheme goes against local policies which encourage walking.

Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council has also objected to the plans.

“At present, and under these plans, pedestrians have to run the gauntlet of moving cars, including cars reversing out of the parking spaces on either side en route to the store,” they said.

“And there are persistent problems with cars parking on the pavement, despite huge lettering saying ‘keep clear’ on both sides, because there is no clear demarcation between the pavement and the car park.”

They also raised concerns over the colour of the cladding which is not in keeping with the surrounding area and they said the overall car park design is “puzzlingly awkward” and only increases the number of spaces from the current seven to 14.

Eight residents have also objected while someone has written in support of the plans.

Midcounties Co‐operative said that the proposals are essential for the long-term viability of the shop which has inherent problems and difficulties for parking.

“The proposals being submitted for consideration will have significant impact both in servicing and customer parking provisions,” their design and access statement reads.

“It is proposed that the existing residential bungalow (Holly Lodge) owned by the Co‐op and positioned on the corner of Church Road and Leckhampton Road be demolished.

“And the existing surfaced car park forecourt in front of the retail area will be extended into the recently acquired land previously used and enjoyed for residential purposes.

“Significant difficulties are present at the existing access and car park in front of the shop unit with minimal car parking spaces and an access drive restricted by existing mature trees.”

Planning officers say the proposals are in line with national and local policies and have recommended approving the scheme with conditions.

Councillors on the planning committee will debate the plans at a meeting on August 19.