Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to the first application of the evening, number 147738, seeking permission to demolish all buildings on site and erect a Class E food store and a Class E(b) coffee shop drive-thru together with access, car parking, servicing, landscaping and associated works, on land off Gallamore Lane, Middle Rasen. The Officer confirmed that pre-commencement conditions had been accepted and provided the Committee with a short presentation of the application.

The Chairman stated there were three registered speakers, and invited the first, Mr Keith Nutter, Applicant, to address the Committee.

Mr Nutter stated that through a public consultation exercise, 91% of over 400 responses had been in support of the proposal. Objections had been that the application was speculative, however, there was now a defined scheme being presented for approval. He noted that it was common for objectors to be more vocal than those expressing support, and stated it was rare for the level of support given for the proposal to be seen. He explained that the proposal could only be beneficial to the local area, creating more jobs and more sustainable options for local residents, rather than them having to travel further afield to similar food stores. In seeking the support of the Committee, Mr Nutter concluded that the people of Market Rasen had long sought to have such facilities in their area, and the proposal would fulfil that need.

The Chairman thanked Mr Nutter for his comments and explained that the second speaker, Mr Matthew Horsefield, had been unable to attend however had submitted a statement to be read on his behalf. The following statement was read aloud.

“My Name is Matthew Horsefield. I am the owner of The Advocate Arms and The Heneage Arms Businesses. I have been running the two myself for the past 10 months but been back in Market Rasen for the past 2 years. I was originally at The Advocate Arms back 12 years ago when Market Rasen was a very different place. And so to the point. The plans to build an Aldi and a Coffee shop which i believe is to be a Starbucks concerns me greatly. I do agree that another supermarket may bring needed competition to Tesco however will also impact the Highstreet which is already greatly suffering. The footfall is nothing in comparison to what it was in the past. The Highstreet looks tired and uncared for. So why would we then look at development on the outside of the main street? Even if this is from a private developer. 

The Building of the Aldi and Starbucks will only mean that people will shop and drink there and park for free and never touch the high street which already has plenty of coffee shops and food retailers that offer all that is being suggested. So why do we need more of things we already have! But allow free parking at Aldi but pay and display in Market Rasen?!?! I appreciate that Tesco don't charge for parking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 143