Surprised by lack of opposition to Morrisons

Perhaps of greatest surprise was the lack of any coherent and substantive action from town centre retail businesses in objecting to this application.

This whole episode has thrown up many issues particularly in regards to Leamington town centre.

Firstly, that whilst many in public positions appear to praise the strength and cite the uniqueness of Leamington’s independent retail sector, there appears to be little, if any, actual support provided them. The recent growth at the Leamington Retail Park (LRP) poses a real challenge to the town centre. Already, retailers in the town centre have to pay a BID levy, higher rents per sq ft and their customers must pay for their parking. At a time when retailers – particularly the independents - are vulnerable to the severe economic downturn and growth in on-line shopping, it would appear this decision is yet one more factor stacked against them. It would be easy to suggest they need protection but what they deserve and must have is a level playing field if they are to compete with out of town stores.

Secondly, Leamington town centre (north town) offers only two large grocer/supermarkets. Old Town has just the Co-op and Sydenham an Asda. In contrast, the expanded Sainsbury’s, the new Lidl and soon to arrive Aldi and Morrisons all lie within 300m of the Foundry roundabout.

Any additional requirement for grocers should be for smaller operations in town centres provided they complement, and not destroy, existing independent food stores. In that respect, the fire station development may have some merits. It would also draw people as evidenced in Kenilworth. Why then, was Morrisons not forced to locate there or on an existing retail site? Could it have gone into the former Focus store on LRP?

Thirdly, it is extremely questionable whether there is any need for the scale of store proposed by Morrisons.

The consultancy Strategic Perspectives concluded that there was NO expenditure capacity for a new foodstore in Leamington! They subsequently retracted this. What’s not to believe?! And how likely is it that a larger store is ultimately built and that the 100,000 sqft offices never materialize? And an hotel? In phasing this development, Morrisons could renege on those other elements and ultimately apply to expand the store instead.

Then there is the major claim about economic regeneration.

Firstly, great play is also made of the fact that the site is an eyesore (was it the case when it employed 500 skilled people?). Is the façade proposed for the Morrisons an architectural triumph, a suitable gateway to our town? Or will it be as inspiring as the Blockbuster/Pets at Home. Secondly, Trilogy argues it will result in up to 1,200 jobs – really? How many relate to the ‘future’ office building? Most supermarkets employ part-time workers on low pay and offer lower employment levels per square meter compared to most independent retailers. A visit to your local butcher, fishmonger or green grocer will justify this claim.

And of course the point was made originally that there is no expenditure capacity for food purchases in Leamington. So it is a real probability that these ‘new’ jobs at Morrisons will be substitutional, ie that there is no net gain in employment as other jobs will be lost at existing competitor stores. Or will Leamington eat more?

I tried to object to this application. In fact I did so but to Leamington Spa Town Council. I had assumed that this would be forwarded in full to WDC planning and that I would be notified of the WDC planning timings and meeting. So I missed the meeting and the date to lodge an objection.

To think that in 2008, for just £2m (ie £15 per head of population in the district) we could have bought the site from Ford with the aim of attracting fresh investment on the site or creating something special to help assure the town’s future prosperity. It makes you wonder where this town would be were it not for the vision and generosity of people such as Edward Willes in providing the parkland of Jephson Gardens and riverside. A simple parallel: if Morrisons/Trilogy had existed in the 19th century they would have bought the land and developed it.

Finally, think also what message this sends out to the next generation. We all look for signals from those in government - local and central. In approving this the town is yielding land formerly designated for skilled employment to the low wage economy - what economic opportunities are we leaving this generation? - Matt Western, address supplied.