We visited Hadleigh last week as I was confused with the arguments surrounding the proposed Tesco development site. The old Brett Works site apparently (according to a random resident we bumped in to and got chatting to) has been owned by Tesco for some years, and they have just let it go into disrepair and dereliction. Therefore it is not an aesthetically pleasing location!
Looking into local opinion on websites such as the local town website and facebook it is apparent that there is a strong division. What was most confusing was that the residents who are pro the development were describing the area as 'an eyesore' where the land needed to be cleared up whereas the people who were against the proposed development talked about how the Tesco would ruin such a beautiful River Walk and water meadows. This got me thinking; how could the area be beautiful and an eyesore all in one go? so, I decided to go and do a little bit of exploration myself.
It turns out that the River Walk isn't actually on the same side of the river as the proposed Tesco site after all. Obviously if the Tesco development does go ahead then they will have to play with the river system to reduce flooding such as placing in reservoirs and the such like. This will clearly have an influence on the drainage basin for miles around, and this in turn will effect the river walk, but Tesco aren't proposing to build on the River Walk - so that cleared that one up!!
For any extra information and plans etc then you can access the website: http://www.hands-off-hadleigh.co.uk/ this is obviously an anti Tesco campaign but there is a lot of information for you to gather and make a more rounded opinion.
Below is a list of issues from the Hands off Hadleigh website:
Safety issues with access on a bend on a bridge
Traffic congestion when almost every route into Hadleigh is effectively single lane
Increased noise levels and pollution from increased traffic drawn into the town, when by-pass built in mid 80's to avoid this
Vitality and viability of existing traders and small shops in the High Street that sell a fine selection of locally grown produce
Impact on natural environment and neighbouring allotments -
First application to build a supermarket (not Tesco) turned down in 1987 on environmental grounds, what has changed since then?
Concern about run off of excess water and flooding
Impact on surrounding historic conservation area (St Mary's, The Deanery, The Guildhall) that proposed store will impinge on
73% of the town voted against a supermarket on the Brett Work Site in Electoral Reform Society Referendum involving every household in Hadleigh
Hadleigh - should it have a Tesco? there's clearly an area that needs maintaining and generating but is building a large superstore the answer? certainly food for thought when considering Hadleigh as a successful traditional market town.Here's a useful video which weighs up the pros and cons quite nicely:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/video/2010/jun/10/outrage-revisited-hadleigh-tesco-architecture
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