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Families reject Tesco bid for homes on store
By Chris Longhurst
Leaflets outlining supermarket giant Tesco's plans for Harefield have finally begun dropping through letterboxes
About 2,500 mail shots have been sent out by the company as it seeks public support for a scheme which could see an express store built on a vacant site in Rickmansworth Road.
While the leaflets were expected, they have revealed a new twist in that Tesco is planning to build three apartments above the store.
Daniel Bennett, 22, of Leys Close, is one who received a copy and said: "I think it's completely unnecessary. We already have the shops we need in the village.
"It will bring more traffic and a lot more noise and congestion. It will definitely take away from the charm of Harefield."
Michael Dent, of Lovett Road, added: "I can see people wanting to save money by going to Tesco, but I just think what is proposed is inappropriate in a village setting. I can certainly see why local shopkeepers are concerned."
In the leaflet Tesco says of the site, next door to The Kings Arms pub: "It lies in an unattractive and semi-derelict state, spoiling the rest of the area and creating an additional attraction for vandalism. The development will respond to its heritage context through the retention and sensitive restoration of the Grade II listed workshop build
ing. The design will harmonise with its surroundings and make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of Harefield Conservation Area."
It goes on to outline Tesco's record in supporting local communities as well as being a good neighbour, creating new jobs and providing a boost for other traders rather than being in competition with them.
Atul Sodha, the manager of Londis, in Moorhall Road, said: "I have read the leaflet and I understand what they are trying to say, but it's totally for commercial gain. For them to try and say they are going to add a service to the village is basically saying we don't have a service.
"I believe we have got plenty of signatures on a petition to say we don't need it because the majority of people are anti-Tesco. It's a big company that comes here for our money."
Carol Leslie, who is overseeing the collection of responses for Tesco, said: "The leaflet tries to pre-empt some of the questions people will have and explain in detail who we are and what our plan is about.
"There is no application in at the moment. We do this first so that we have an idea of what local people want."
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I believe a Tesco Express store on the unattractive and semi-derelict site next to the King's Arms pub would enhance the look of the centre of Harefield. When I read in the leaflet that Tesco plan to put three apartments above their store I was delighted to think that it will enable more people to live in our beautiful village. Am I a lone voice in wanting this development? Is there anyone else in Harefield in support of Tesco?
I think that allowing a building to become dilapidated should not support an application's suitability. Besides that derelict land is part of a Grade II listed site. I'm sure the immediate residents behind it would welcome development but not another late night convenience store. Also, I would draw your attention to the very very rare village core that Harefield enjoys with vibrant small businesses ans barely a chain store in site. I;m not a tesco hater, but this isn't the right place for the company.