Clarification on Supermarket Applications from Driffield Ward Councillors

Letter to the Editor, Driffield Times & Post  Spring 2008

Sir

We offer the following as an update on the current position on the various “supermarket” proposals for Driffield.

The Viking Centre, Middle Street North. This proposal for a new store and some housing on this currently run down site was approved by the “ERYC Planning Committee” in February.   At this meeting  there were some additional conditions put forward which had to be finalised with the developer, but, subject to a final “ok” from the Secretary of State, this scheme will be able to go ahead.  Let’s hope it is able to proceed, bringing significant environmental improvements to an important area of Driffield which is presently neither productive nor attractive.

The proposals for a new Tesco supermarket on a site which is part of the existing Tesco car park have also now been approved by the ERYC Planning Committee. These proposals if they go ahead will put a new store on the far side of the old “Kwik Save” car park. Lorry access will be from Middle Street South whilst cars will access from George Street and there will be a pedestrian route direct from the store/car park to Middle Street South. These proposals also have to go the Secretary of state for a final approval. As Ward Members we put forward a plea for an additional condition to be put to the ERYC approval to require Tesco to address the issue of the potential loss of car parking whilst construction takes place.  Although this is strictly not a planning issue we hope that Tesco will work to agree a temporary scheme on this matter.

The proposals for the development of a supermarket and additional retail facilities on the old Cattle Market site are due to return to the ERYC Planning Committee in early summer, probably in May. After meeting with Ward Councillors, the Town Mayor, Planning and Highways officers, the Developer will bring forward proposals to significantly address the concerns on road safety and traffic on Eastgate South and Albion Street.  So, on this site we await amended proposals for further consideration.

To sum up the current supermarket tally, the ERYC have approved proposals which demolish three supermarkets and construct two new ones and one new proposal  which has yet to be decided. Additionally there are other planning applications being processed for the sites which may or may not be deliverable.

I hope this helps to put people in the picture, we will update you again as we get new information.

Yours sincerely

ERYC Councillors Symon Fraser, Felicity Temple and Barbara Hall.