| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Morrisons Supermarket site for sale! according to Kath the Editor | |
| Posted by: | Guy Lambert | |
| Date/Time: | 19/09/15 18:27:00 |
| Yes, we're working for the good of the community. As has been pointed out, Morrisons is in Syon ward so my business is technically as a resident rather than as a councillor, though for obvious reasons Brentford councillors are very interested in the town centre. As I understand it, the freehold of the site has been sold by Morrisons' landlords. Their continued operation on the site depends on their lease. I have no information about this, nor about whether Morrisons are eager to remain in Brentford or otherwise, nor whether other supermarket chains would be interested in the site. Contrary, it seems, to people's opinions, councillors cannot stop people selling their property to whomever they choose and in any case, as is not unusual, the first I heard of any potential threat to Morrisons was via rumour from locals about a week ago. In a case like this the only power we might have is if at some point somebody seeks planning permission to develop the site. This has not happened at this stage. Councillors have a briefing from officers (not specifically about this but we'll obviously ask!) on Monday. The LBH Local Plan was approved (unanimously) by Borough Council on Tuesday and the Morrisons site has a specific entry on page 158 of the attached: http://democraticservices.hounslow.gov.uk/documents/s119024/Appendix%201%20Hounslow%20Local%20Plan%20Version%20for%20Adoption%20September%202015.pdf]. It is 'zoned' as mixed use with 75% retail, 25% residential. As I understand it (and I am far from an expert on planning, give me time...) the Local Plan has to be approved by the Mayor of London but assuming it is this will give councillors the authority to resist any change to the site being predominantly for retail use. For the avoidance of doubt, I can say that I would personally be very strongly opposed to the loss of Morrisons , or an equivalent supermarket on the same site. I can't speak for anyone else but I'd be very surprised if local colleagues disagreed. |