Showing posts with label Tesco Oakham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tesco Oakham. Show all posts

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Revised Tesco Plans Oakham Town Council

Revised Tesco Plans Oakham Town Council

Oakham Town Council will hold an additional council meeting to consider a revised planning application, received from Tesco.

27th October 7.00pm at Victoria Hall Oakham.

Plans can be viewed at the Town Council Office.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Tesco Oakham deferred

Tesco shopping trolley shelterImage via Wikipedia
Tesco Oakham Rutland County Council deferred a decision.

The meeting at Rutland County Council was very long. Good to see Tesco are litter bugs they dumped all the council papers on the floor!

The were various deputations and questions from the public and groups.

I managed not to heckle to much, The chief executive kindly read my question if I had been let loose with the microphone I think they would have had to pull the plug.

There was quite a bit of heckling from the public and quite a few spoke rather than just reading  the question.

Good on them these rules are so old and outdated people just want to be able to speak to their council.

It was good to see Mr Beech stuck to his question, finishing with a lot of people support the Tesco Expansion? I remember in the early days Mr Beech would speak at Town Council meetings for the Town Partnership and was very anti Tesco. Is it me or could his change of tact be something to do with the fact he now works for Tesco.

Tesco for some reason put a spanner in the works by verbally amending their plan during the meeting. This caused a headache for the legal people and councillors. The meeting adjourned while the legal people decided what to do.

Tesco has decided it now no longer wants to turn the plot occupied by the bungalow into a car park. They could not say what the intended to do with the site.

No one can understand the delay tactic.

One thing that did not go down well with the public was the petition, the store manager said it was public led.
Although the staff were very friendly when I visited the store last week I found rather to many staff were obstructing the doorway in and out on Saturday.




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Rutland County Council 6pm tonight Tesco Yes or No

Rutland County Council 6pm tonight Tesco Yes or No

This evening the full council will meet to decide if Tesco can go ahead with its expansion and the destruction of the green areas.

Tesco claims to be green if this true then build a bigger store and dont expand the car park.

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Rutland County Council Tesco


Dear Mr Brookes

To confirm, your question for the Council meeting on Monday 11 October 2010 has been accepted by the Chief Executive as follows:-

"Can Councillors trust Tesco to be provided with truthful and accurate information, after Mrs Bean gave information at the planning committee meeting that was inaccurate and not contained in the retail report she refered to?"

The definition of a Deputation is "a group of people appointed to represent others".  An individual is not permitted to make a Deputation on behalf of himself/herself and your request to make a Deputation as an individual, is therefore not permissible.

If you require any further clarification regarding speaking at Council meetings, please refer to Procedure Rules 28 and 29 previously emailed to you.

Regards
Democratic Services


As I can not speak to my Council I will just stick this here I don't have time to set up a group before Thursday noon.
I am not sure they are going to accept my new group 'I love Rutland County Council and Trees' 

Question/deputations for the 11th October 2010 Special Council meeting

From

Martin Brookes Oakham Resident.
13 Willow Crescent
Oakham
Rutland
LE15 6EQ

It is important for me to state I am not Anti Tesco.

I am against the destruction of the local environment, Tesco Claims like many large companies claim green, so why the need for extra tarmac the effect this will have on their neighbours is not needed.

The store is often over shopped, so I agree there should be extra sales space. There is no need for extra parking, people who can walk need to walk more often.

At the last Planning Licensing committee Tesco sent Mrs Bean to represent them, at this meeting she quoted inaccurate information.

I am concerned she may have given more.

Can I asks each Councillor present can you trust Tesco and their representations?

How many of you have read the complete application?

I spent nearly 3 hours at  Oakham Town Council scanning through all the documents, I and this still did not give me time to read all the documents.

To Finish I would hope Tesco would refrain from making up quotes and only quote things that are published in the relevant documents they refer to and not say something is in a report when clearly it is not.

thank you.


Five minutes. If I take a stop watch thats gives me about 9 senconds to read each word of the question they will allow me to read!
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Saturday, October 02, 2010

Anti Tesco Protesters at Oakham Tesco

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20:  A Tesco employee ...Image by Getty Images  
Today the entrance to Oakham Tesco
was rather congested as staff sort
signatures supporting the expansion of 
Tesco, Tesco has been gathering around 400
signatures a day since its application was turned down 
by the planning committee at Rutland County Council

Outside the store was a visible presence of Anti Tesco
supporters this one did not mind me taking his photograph.


One of the female protester said "Tesco had been using names of dead 
people to support there application" I hope its not true, It's bad enough they sent 
Mrs Bean to lie to Councillors





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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Tesco Sensible Cllr Lucas Oakham Town Council v Rutland County Council

This weeks Rutland Times publishes a report about Tesco planning application.

It includes the following:

Oakham Town Council voted to support the plans.
Councillor Joyce Lucas, who represents Oakham north west ward on the town council, said: “I think the decision being referred to full council is a sensible idea.
“This is a democracy and it needs to be debated properly.
“I voted in favour of the plans because from doing surveys in my ward and from letters I have received people in north west Oakham want the expansion.”

Yes Cllr Lucas it would have been sensible if Oakham Town Council had debated the matter correctly in the first place and then the public would not have thought you and others were stupid.

Have you forgot how you and Cllr Dewis stood in consultation with the public one Saturday morning earlier this year trashing any thought of any development at Tesco.

At your first meeting you voted against the application. It's a fact you had the casting vote. The public thought you were crazy not because of your vote because of the way you chaired the meeting.

If Oakham Town Council had not messed up over the revised plans. You would not have been able to change your vote.

I trust you are a very proud tree warden voting to destroy a conservation area.

So I don't think you are qualified to speak to the press and suggest how Rutland County Council should conduct its planning matters.

As Oakham's tree warden you should be tying yourself to the trees that will be chopped down, I would start with the rare Elm.

The land behind the house in Brook Road would make a lovely Community Orchard. Much more suitable than a car park.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Did Mrs Bean Tesco's Representative give false information at Rutland County Council Meeting?

At Monday's meeting Tesco's Representative Mrs Bean told the council committee and members of the public, claiming to be quoting from a retail report, Tesco staff contribute around £48,000 to the local retail economy, this was likely to increase to £59,000 if the store was expanded.

This raised a few questions from local people and prompted me to ask the planning department for a transcript of Mrs Bean's deputation or a copy of the report to see how they came to this figure.

Rutland County Councils planning department say this information is not in the mentioned report.

I am awaiting  clarification from Mrs Bean.

Is this a case of Tesco playing dirty tricks or just a error on her part, maybe Tesco can send a representative on 11th October 2010 who will tell the truth at a council meeting.

I wonder how much of the rest of Mrs Bean's  information was made up?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Tesco Stores Limited Oakham Rutland FUL/2010/0388 Planning Application

Tonight Rutland  County Council Development & Licensing Committee met at the Council Chamber at Rutland County Council.

First can I say I do wish Mr Baines was there to chair the meeting and keep some sort of order.
Also Geoff Pook head of legal services where were you? Your replacement was very vague when it came to points of law.

Also the Highways Officer seemed to cross the line more than once, he appeared to be instructing Councillor Gale on how he should make his proposal. Good candidate for a town clerk?

A Senior member of the public interrupted the meeting for some time to vent his understandable frustration. A frustration shared by many members of the public present.

Many wanting to speak but unaware of the Council rules on deputations. I think councils need to look at these rule and make the public feel more inclusive. It also has to remember not all residents use the internet. You are not keeping them informed as one lady told the chair.

Two staged deputations from the following groups did not suffice them or me.

Transition Rutland?? (who did not come over very well)

and Oakham Traders represented by a local cafe did a much better job.

Unfortunately no one represented the views of the local residents.

The meeting was interrupted a few times because some paid staff are not trained to speak at a audible level even with the use of microphones.

I have very good hearing and could not hear or understand the introduction of the deputations. So no wonder the man with hearing aids had difficulty and as others did shouted complaints. I wonder if the chamber is fitted with a loop?

A mother was present with child, the child became unsettled and a Councillor became annoyed. The meeting was halted after the mother stuffed baby in pram and stormed out. A member of staff ran after the woman and brought her back. Only for her to be asked to leave later in the meeting

I noticed one very brave Oakham Town Councillor was present, He sat amongst the Tesco staff I wondered if I  should tell them he voted against, then I though I could not do that to Allen!

There was no press at the press desk!

Plenty of Tesco bigwigs taking notes and Mrs Bean speaking and answering questions on behalf of Tesco.

She was grateful to Oakham Town Council for their support of the destruction  of a conservation area.

(I would like to say at this point I am not against the expansion of the store I am against the expansion of the car park and the destruction of the green land that surrounds the store)

The planning department is also grateful to Oakham Town Council for its support.

Although Rutland County Councillors appeared not to be impressed with the Town Council.

Something tells me, something seriously went wrong at Oakham Town Council.  Ask the Clerk is all I will say!

Members of the public asked why there had been a change? had Cllr Lucas been given a bung by Tesco?
I can not answer that accept I do remember a Rutland County Councillor once described her as like one of her trees, as thick as two planks? I said.  no he replied she blows in the wind!

After listening to the deputations we had to then listen to Mrs Bean from Tesco. One fact was correct although the public seemed not to agree if Tesco was not in  South Street, Gaol Street would not have become a retail shopping street. One trader did tell me she thrives on passing trade Tesco brings so  Tesco maybe able to take the credit for Gaol Street. Although I can't afford to shop in any off them and walk straight past to Tesco.  This is the same reason the location was chosen for the farmers market.

Mrs Bean banded a figure that Tesco wages help contribute  £48,000 to the local retail economy and the expansion would increase jobs and raise that some to around £59,000 peanuts really I am hoping Rutland County Council Chief Excutive does all her shopping in the town then on her wage alone she can match that figure. Sorry not knocking our wonderful chief she is worth every penny of £120,000 I understand the Prime Minister is cheaper can the council save more money and offer him the job.

After all that we had to endure a long presentation from the Director of Community Services.

He explained to us what the planning department would like Tesco to pay for. The exact figures were given to Councillors on a yellow sheet and were confidential as one Councillor was reminded.

106 payments is the legal term given to money offered to councils by large companies and developers and some may call it a bribe I am not not sure 106 can be used if a private resident wants to build a extension.

The meeting went on and eventually all Councillor agreed to reject both applications and refer the application to the full council and they will have to make the final decision on the 11th October I believe.

It will be interesting to see if there is a different outcome, because I am sure  many of the others Councillors will have interests to declare.

Tesco Application At Rutland County Council


This evening Rutand County Council's Development Control and Licensing Committee
are meeting at the Council Chamber. 
To make a decision on Oakham Tesco Application to expand its store.

A number of members left the meeting after declaring interests.

It has left a small number of members and this issue was raised by two councillors.

The Members Present are:

Miss C Jones
Mr Gale
Mr Oxley
Mr Parsons 
Mr Wells 
Mr Plews

A long report was given by The Director of Community Services

There were two deputations from the following

Transition Rutland
and 
Oakham Traders

We also heard from Mrs Bean who represented Tesco

She made a point of highlighting Oakham Town Councils support
The contribution from wages to the local economy is £48,000
and would increase to around £59,000

The planning department is recommending approval of the application
subject to highways approval and transport improvements
it was also suggested the foot bridge over the railway line could be improved

Both Ward Councillor spoke against the expansion.


It concerned me the conservation officer support the demolition of the
a dwelling in a conservation area. I am not sure if this is the same officer who sort 
to preserve the loo in Melton  Road not used behind a shop. And refused the application
to revert the alteration of the old Grimmers property in Church Street. No continuity!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Oakham Tesco Planning Application Oakham Town Council

A Tesco Hypermarket in Prokocim, PolandImageTesco in Poland
Oakham Town Council tried to save themselves face tonight, they did not want the voters of Oakham to think they were stupid. Now why would they think that?

Oakham Town Council originally objected in a farcical meeting chaired by Cllr Joyce Lucas to reject the plans proposed by Tesco this included the demolition of the dwelling in Penn Street.

Last week the Council  voted to accept revised plans from Tesco that clearly stated these were intended to be implemented after the demolition of the dwelling.

This meant it would be correct for the Town Council to object to these plans how can it accept them when they have refused the demolition.

So at this evenings council meeting, the council suspended a standing order and revisited the original application.

After some limited debate they approved the original plan. This is a huge U turn for the council and I am sure won't be popular with residents.

Of course the Town Council will stick to its script the final decision rests with Rutland County Council.

Once again I find myself asking the question what is the point of the Town Council. It has not supported the views of local trader or residents.

At the last meeting Cllr Maureen Dodds did express a concern for residents but stated she had no concern for local traders.

Very early on in the debate Cllr Charles Haworth stood to propose the council approves the demolition of the dwelling.

Cllr Alan Walters stood to object because there had been no debate and this was followed by the Clerk waving his folder stating a standing order something to do with if no one seconded the proposal members could not debate or return to the item, personally I think that was a waste of time the rules can be revoked at any time at Oakham Town Council so why bother with them.

It is clear to me although councillors made a error last week either the Chairman or the Clerk are responsible for this farce as they should have reminded Councillors of their original vote and the effect it had on considering the revised plan.

Cllr Haworth said he was absent last week and was amazed at what had happened. Of course this is coming form a Councillor who astonished us by suggesting the roof was removed from the bandstand and flower baskets and banner were hung from the roof supports to save money.

He and Cllr Lucas also found it amusing I did not see who had voted for against.

I had to visit the Clerk after the meeting to confirm the result. He had also had trouble recording the vote
and had to ask for a second show of hands.









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Monday, September 20, 2010

Oakham Town Council approve Tesco car park to be built on top of house

Oakham Town Council approve Tesco car park to be built on top of house.
Some time ago Oakham Town Council considered a application from
Tesco. The Town Council recommended refusal. The council also agreed
against  the demolition of the dwelling. in Penn Street.
So it was strange last week the council agreed to new revised plans
these Tesco want to implement after the demolition of the
dwelling.
At this weeks meeting the council will decide to revoke a standing
order so they can reconsider the original plan. After the conflict was pointed
out by Rutland County Planning.
I am wonder why they are also not going to revisit last weeks
application on the same evening?
Is the Town Council going to now support the Tesco application and
the revised plan?
Or  will Tesco be as confused as me?One interesting voter to watch will be Cllr Joyce Lucas , I am told
she blows in the wind and this is evident when it comes to
Tesco.
When she chaired the first meeting she took the casting vote
against Tesco, possible because of the large public presence and last week
behind almost closed doors she voted for Tesco. Pity the other member of the
public did not stay to see the result.
If you wish to attend your Town Council meeting  it is held at Victoria Hall, 7.00pm this Wednesday 22nd September

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Oakham Town Council Meeting Tesco

The next Oakham Town Council meeting will be held in the Council Chamber, Victoria Hall, Oakham.

There are two points of interest on the Agenda.

Item 10

Suspension of Standing Order 35
In order that items 11 and 12 on the Agenda can be considered.

Item 11 Tesco Planning application.

Last week Oakham Town Council changed its mind and voted in favour of the store development.
I wonder why this item has been returned to the agenda. Are they going to change their minds again?

Item 12 Toilet Cleaning project

I do not know why this has to be considered again. Last week this item was discussed after the public kicked  out.

At this meeting a further five planning applicants have the privilege of having there application considered at full council and not behind closed doors.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Don't let Tesco Self Service Rob You

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20:  A Tesco flag flie...Image by Getty Images
Shopping in Oakham Tesco every penny counts.

My shower gel has gone up 20p this week along with other huge increases on other items.

So I don't expect to be further robbed at the checkout.

Often I chuck the coins in the slot to pay, then trust the machine to count the coins. Often I have to dig into my pocket and find an extra coin.

Today I took my calculator shopping and counted the coins, the machine churned away and to my surprise it asked for more money! I knew I had paid the correct money, so I pressed the button for assistance. The assistant arrived swiped a card, coins were returned less my missing coins, after a few more pushes of buttons the assistant found a list of coins I had inserted, the total was as I said I had paid.

I wonder how many customers are loosing out to this technical failure?

So next time you are using self serving and you are sure you have paid the correct amount and you are asked for more cash don't pay! call for assistance it the red button at the bottom right hand side of the screen.
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Saturday, September 11, 2010

Tesco Oakham Planning Application Oakham Town Council

Additional Meeting of Oakham Town Council

7 pm Wednesday 15th September 2010

Tesco Supermarket
has submitted a
revised planning application.

I am told by the Town Clerk as this is
a new application members of the
public with any concerns or suggestion
must resubmit new concerns

Members of the public can also
speak at the designated point.

Plans are available for inspection

Oakham Town Council,


Victoria Hall,
39, High Street,
Oakham,
Rutland,
LE15 6AH

Telephone:

(01572) 723627



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Monday, September 06, 2010

Oakham Town Council To Consider Tesco Revised Planning Application 15th September


Tesco Oakham's revised planning application
to be considered at next weeks meeting

This week meeting will start later after
the beating of the retreat

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

SAINSBURY'S PLANNING APPLICATION OAKHAM TOWN COUNCIL






SAINSBURY'S
PLANNING APPLICATION







Oakham Town Council will be considering the
Planning Application by
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited
to build a new store off of Lands End Way
tonight August 4th 2010.
The meeting will start at 7.00pm and is open to the public.
Prior to the meeting, the plans are available for inspection
in the Town Council offices.


Members of the public are asked to note that the plans can be viewed from 10am - 1pm up until August 4th.

Comments slips will be provided and any comments will be forwarded to Rutland County Council along with any observations or recommendations from the Town Council.

One matter missing from the Council web site is: the public can come along and speak at the meeting.

'The final decision on whether planning permission will be granted will be made by Rutland County Council'
(so what is the point?)
 
No negative campaign carried out by the Town Council this time, it is is interesting to see the different way this application from Sainsbury has been handled, compared with the
Tesco application.
 
No public surgery.
 

I am rather pleased this did not happen, I don't think it was wise of Cllrs such as Dewis and Lucas to call it a consultation when they only pointed out their personal objections regarding Tescos proposal, to the steady flow of public who visited.
 

 
 
 
The headquarters of J Sainsbury plc at Holborn...Image via Wikipedia
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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Tesco Oakham Pay Back

Leicestershire Police receive
nearly 100 calls a months relating
to Tesco Oakham
The calls range from Shoplifting
to anti social behaviour

Tesco has now purchased a cctv camera
for the residents of South Street Oakham
The CCTV camera is linked to
Rutlands CCTV Control Centre
in Uppingham

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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Oakham Town Council Sainsbury V Tesco Planning

A Tesco Hypermarket in Prokocim, PolandImage via Wikipedia
Oakham Town Council had a private meeting with Sainsbury.

Why? Because at a later meeting 5th August they will consider a planning application.

Why are large companies given this extra time to consult councillors?

(image Tesco Poland)

A private individual can not command this time, 5 minutes during public deputations.

                                                                                    


Despite the town council duty to remain impartial it is is very clear this is not the case when it comes to the development of supermarkets.

Anti Tesco feeling was evident during  Oakham Town Council handling of Tesco's planning application.
The plans were displayed in the foyer and a public consultation was held and Cllr Dewis and Lucas clearly pointed out their objections to the public. This is not the purpose of a consultation.

The appears to be some confusion as to whether there should or will be a public consultation this time for the Sainsbury application.


Why have the plans not been displayed?

Dare I mention the Tory connection with Sainsbury?

Sainsbury has a good relationship with Tory Councils .

Just take a look at Welwyn Garden City  The worlds second garden city Tory Controlled for years and now work starts on the demolition of Sainsbury and surrounding shops to create a even bigger superstore infact 4 times the size in the centre of a Garden City! What would Ebenezer say? It's ok because they will be planting a few extra trees in the new car park I don't think so.

To be honest it does not really matter what Oakham Town Council decide because as the town Clerk explained last night none of them are trained in planning,  and he reminded the public of the following.

Planning Applications are received by the Town Council


The final decision on all planning maters affecting Rutland rests with the local planning authority which is Rutland County Council. However, in it's role as statutory consultee Oakham Town Council is asked for recommendations and observations on all planning applications affecting Oakham.

A member of the public commented what is the point of Oakham Town Council in this role?

I tend to agree views expressed by Cllrs are personal views, and we all have them, It would be good if Cllrs consulted the public and Cllrs could truly reflect the views of the people they serve.

I feel Oakham Town Council could be a stronger tool if members of the public gave Cllrs their views. As it stands I sense a group of people are just rubber stamping applications. Maybe they sense the planning authority know often the view expressed by the Town Council does not reflect the view of residents.

The councillors don't even get to see any letters of objections that may have been sent to the planning authority?

I will finish by saying  I look forward to shopping in the New Sainbury store and earning lots of Nectar Points.











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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Tesco Fish Counter Oakham

Former Cllr Mr Paul Beech , used to ccontribute to my forum until I traced him.

I know he will be reading this as he is signed of work hopping around his bedsit for the next two weeks sorry I meant his fine B&B.

I wish him a speedy recovery.

Then its back to frozen fish for me.

Its rather disconcerting passing the fish counter and seeing bully Beech pick up the knifes and start sharpening them each time I pass the counter.

I never know why he took the job on the fish counter, being so anti Tesco as a member of Oakham Town Partnership.  Aslo in his deputations and e-mails to Oakham Town Council.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Ashes to AShes Rutland Radio Rev Lee-Francis-Dehquani

The Wheatsheaf Langham Heaven?

Rutland Radio Sunday Morning Reflection

This morning we were treated a description of
the Final of the BBC Ashes to Ashes TV Show
by The Oakham Team Rector
Rev Lee Francis-Dehquani

In conclusion the rev said he did not know
what heaven was like, but he hoped it
was like an English Pub

The smoking ban in 2007 came into force
and since then pubs have been closing at
a rate of around 52 a week.

As a non smoker I hope there is no smoking in
heaven but if their is a ban
maybe heaven will be boarded up.

Where will we go?

Tesco? Tesco Oakham often finds it hard to
keep its shelves stocked with booze.