To receive a presentation from the ‘Salisbury Gateway’ Project Team.
In attendance: Tom Selway, Ian Culverhouse, Ross Castle and Martin Knowles
Minutes:
The Board received a presentation from the ‘Salisbury Gateway’ Project Team on the proposed plans for a Sainsbury’s store on the Southampton Road.
Following the public exhibition in July 2013, it had been realised that some changes would be required to the original scheme. The new scheme had been much influenced by feedback received.
The new scheme would provide 400 jobs and works on the site would include:
· Unlocking new views of Salisbury Cathedral and public access to the wetlands area, which would be reinstated on the south-western side of the site.
· Linking of water management on site with recreating the water meadows.
· Protection of local wildlife and enhancement of the environment.
· Improvements to Southampton Road, with widening to Bourne Roundabout, to improve traffic flow.
· Implementation of a new bus stop near the store entrance.
· Improvements to pedestrian and cycle routes.
· Underground tanks and treatment trains to process heavy rain fall, in a controlled manner back into the River Avon.
Comments and questions were received, these included:
· In the original scheme, a remodelling of College roundabout was included, is this still included in the new scheme? Answer: The Highways Agency was not in favour of that remodelling, but with the remodelling at the Bourne roundabout, we can maintain improved travelling times.
· Have you calculated the impact that this store would have on the city centre small businesses? Answer: It is part of the requirements for us to carry out a retail assessment survey. The bulk of the impact will be on the Tesco store opposite the site, and Waitrose.
· The other developments close by to the site are dates and in need of a revamp or need to be removed. Answer: We did try to purchase the B & Q site when it was for sale, however we were outbid. We are hoping that the quality of our store will encourage others to revamp.
· As part of your scheme could you make some contribution towards the park and ride, so that we could reduce the parking charges in the town? Answer: There will be a contribution.
· The problem with this site is the road. The traffic is backed up along the road every home time and worse on weekends. New houses will bring more people wanting to do their weekly shopping, but there are no alternatives on the other side of the city. That is where we want a new store.
· The more people using the Southampton road means there will be more using Laverstock and Ford as a rat run. Answer: The way to improve traffic along Laverstock is to improve the traffic on the Southampton road.
· It looks like a brilliant scheme, but it’s in the wrong place. We need a store near the new housing developments, Hampton Park II, Fuggleston, or Netherhampton Road. Answer: We are not aware of a suitable site on the other side of town. It is part of Sainsbury’s plan to look at options on that side of the city, with the help of the council. We will not be closing the city centre store.
· Could the Quarry site be included in your considerations.
· Would you consider appointing an independent assessor to establish the validity of the claims in your scheme? Answer: We are in discussions with the Highways Agency and the Environmental Health, if they do not approve our plans then will would not get planning permission.
· Will your plans to de-clutter Southampton road be visual or will it improve transport? Answer: The Highways Agency requirements are that traffic conditions are no worse than they are now, and they have their independent consultant looking at our plans.
· The Old Manor site is currently being considered by another supermarket, but nothing has been decided yet, could you consider this site?
The Chairman thanked the Salisbury Gateway team for their presentation.