1/5/2008Tesco and Council Told to Start Talking on Store
A CONTROVERSIAL superstore planning application took a significant step forward after Tesco and council officials were told to enter talks to try to reach agreement.
Michael Culshaw, public inquiry reporter, took the unusual step of asking the supermarket chain and Glasgow City Council to agree a set of conditions, should he "be minded to recommend approval" of the scheme.
After discussions, the major disagreement appeared to be whether the store planned for Partick, in the city's west end, should be allowed to open 24 hours.
A list of 53 conditions was set out for the inquiry to consider, ranging from a bat survey to drainage assessments and noise levels should it be given the go-ahead.
Both parties failed to agree on the opening hours of the store which would be sited at Beith Street in Partick.
In the list of conditions, it is stated: "The operation of the proposed supermarket shall not begin before 0700 hours or operate after 2300 hours."
The reason for the condition was given as: "In order to safeguard the property itself, the amenity of the surrounding area and the adjacent proposed housing."
The car-park hours were also suggested to be between 7am and 11pm, with measures to be put in place to prevent commuters using it as a free car park.
However, Tesco objected to the restriction on opening hours.
Robert Robinson, a town planner for Tesco, said: "From Tesco's point of view, they would prefer unrestricted hours."
He added: "The normal case would be to establish noise procedures and our intention would be to put an appropriate condition forward."
The council's QC, Malcolm Thomson, said: "We would consider an appropriate request."
However, Hillhead Community Council, which is represented at the inquiry, claimed the opening hours were still of concern.
The inquiry continues today, when campaigners Stop Tesco Owning Partick (Stop) set out their opposition to the development for a superstore, leisure facilities and 600 student flats.
Pauline McNeill, Labour MSP for Kelvin, is also due to outline her concerns about the controversial proposals to the inquiry.
The Reporter, accompanied by officials from Tesco, the council, Glasgow Harbour and Stop, will visit the site at the conclusion of the inquiry.
He will then consider the evidence before delivering his verdict at a later date.
Michael Culshaw, public inquiry reporter, took the unusual step of asking the supermarket chain and Glasgow City Council to agree a set of conditions, should he "be minded to recommend approval" of the scheme.
After discussions, the major disagreement appeared to be whether the store planned for Partick, in the city's west end, should be allowed to open 24 hours.
A list of 53 conditions was set out for the inquiry to consider, ranging from a bat survey to drainage assessments and noise levels should it be given the go-ahead.
Both parties failed to agree on the opening hours of the store which would be sited at Beith Street in Partick.
In the list of conditions, it is stated: "The operation of the proposed supermarket shall not begin before 0700 hours or operate after 2300 hours."
The reason for the condition was given as: "In order to safeguard the property itself, the amenity of the surrounding area and the adjacent proposed housing."
The car-park hours were also suggested to be between 7am and 11pm, with measures to be put in place to prevent commuters using it as a free car park.
However, Tesco objected to the restriction on opening hours.
Robert Robinson, a town planner for Tesco, said: "From Tesco's point of view, they would prefer unrestricted hours."
He added: "The normal case would be to establish noise procedures and our intention would be to put an appropriate condition forward."
The council's QC, Malcolm Thomson, said: "We would consider an appropriate request."
However, Hillhead Community Council, which is represented at the inquiry, claimed the opening hours were still of concern.
The inquiry continues today, when campaigners Stop Tesco Owning Partick (Stop) set out their opposition to the development for a superstore, leisure facilities and 600 student flats.
Pauline McNeill, Labour MSP for Kelvin, is also due to outline her concerns about the controversial proposals to the inquiry.
The Reporter, accompanied by officials from Tesco, the council, Glasgow Harbour and Stop, will visit the site at the conclusion of the inquiry.
He will then consider the evidence before delivering his verdict at a later date.