Council committee gives Asda plans for Barnstaple's Leaderflush Shapland site the green light
PLANS for an Asda, a hotel, pub, other retail units, up to 350 homes and a pedestrian bridge over the River Taw have been given the green light by Devon County Council's Development Management Committee.
The plans were discussed at the meeting this afternoon when committee members agreed to advise North Devon Council that DCC's highways department has no objections to the scheme.
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An artist's impression of how the new ASDA store in Barnstaple may look
The committee initially recommended the plans for the site, known as Anchorwood Bank, for refusal in December because of highways issues.
But the developer has addressed those issues and council officers recommended the plan be approved this afternoon.
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The plans have been altered to make the access from Asda to the A3125 widened and improve the traffic flow at the Stones roundabout.
In total Asda will now spend around £400,000 on road improvements around the site, should the plans go ahead.
The final decision rests with North Devon Council's planning department but that decision will be informed by today's meeting.
Also due to be discussed were plans for a Morrisons at Evans' Transport yard on Braunton Road, but that discussion was deferred at the request of the developers.
During the discussion on the Asda plan Brian Greenslade, leader of North Devon Council and County Councillor for Barnstaple, said: "My impression is this scheme has more legs than the other one.
"The applicant has come up with a far more robust traffic scheme than previously but this work must be done along with the development, if it goes ahead."
Richard Edgell, County Councillor for Chulmleigh and Swimbridge, said: "From a highways point of view this is a big improvement.
"A lot of work has been done to iron out the wrinkles.
"But it shouldn't be brushed over that traffic flow will be increased. And there are other development opportunities in the area which should be taken into consideration.
"The district council will have to be very careful which way to proceed."
And Mr Greenslade agreed. "There'll be a lot of development on the south side of Barnstaple in the next five years," he said.
"It's going to be a tremendous balancing act for North Devon Council's planning committee."
3 Comments
by Barnybabe2013
Thursday, March 07 2013, 11:48PM
“Just what the town needs. A supermarket :/”
by David314
Thursday, March 07 2013, 3:03PM
“Fit for future generations? Barnstaple, had a great opportunity to benefit from a renewed 'heart', a focal point, an added feature to its ever changing estuary. I believe that the wider community would have appreciated and embraced an enhancement to the centre, from a vast expanse of 'green public space' made available for the community, to enjoy leisure pursuits, educational reasons, and participate within a healthier lifestyle environment, Anchor wood Park!
Yes, Anchor Wood Park, was that window of opportunity, however having attended "What's your view?" consents had been already given! the impact to the community will be the clogging up of traffic, detrimental effects to local traders in the town, more pollution not only to air quality but our estuary waters.
I recall many years ago that a solution to the traffic problem in and around the centre was needed, this was found after great expense. Are we now to exacerbate the growing problem again with these plans. I urge whoever has the final say to reconsider and make the right decision in ensuring it is fit for future generations!”
by oxostu
Thursday, March 07 2013, 9:28AM
“Might as well just close the High Street now then.....”