South Quay Suitable for Supermarket?
10 March 2010
Artist's impression of supermarket on South Quay
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ING’s press release states (full text at hayle.net):
Marcel Kooij, Managing Director at ING Real Estate Development UK Ltd commented: “ING confirms its continued commitment to the regeneration of the historic harbour. South Quay remains the most appropriate site overall in planning terms for the foodstore and this first phase of development.”
ING has decided that the ’sequential test’ of PPS4 makes the South Quay ‘the most appropriate site’ for a supermarket. It is possible that this one test might favour South Quay, but planning balances a large number of issues and a number of professionals disagree with the optimistic ING view.
CABE’s view:
Summary
We strongly object to this planning application. We would support retail proposals within the town of Hayle rather than on its edge, and have no objection to the principle of retail activity on this specific site. However, this proposal is designed with an out-of-town retail park approach which is not appropriate to a town centre location or the unique historic and coastal character of this site. Notwithstanding this concern we do not think that a planning application for a single building in this location should be considered in outline. Because our concerns about the scheme are fundamental we have not commented on the principles of appearance and landscaping; this should not be read as an endorsement of the illustrative design.
ICOMOS view:
Planning Circular 07/09: Protection of World Heritage Sites states that WHS status is a key material consideration, as are relevant policies in WHS Management Plans: “The Secretaries of State for Communities and Local Government and for Culture, Media and Sport expect planning authorities to treat relevant policies in [World Heritage site] management plans as key material considerations in making plans and planning decisions”.
Hayle deserves better than this and we urge the Council to REFUSE this application.
I wonder if the senior management of ING is being misled, either by its own staff or by its consultants. If you read the full text of the CABE and ICOMOS reports there is little solace for ING if they think they will ever get a supermarket on South Quay.
The constant failure of ING to present plans which are in any way sympathetic with the World Heritage Status of the area is extremely disappointing.
I hope they get the message soon and completely rethink their strategy for the harbour.
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