I went to (most of) tonight's community session, run by Chuka with reps from Lambeth Council and Sainsbury's on the panel.
There was a good turn out from the local community, and although the majority were opposed or concerned, there were also some people who were pro.
Some of the points raised included:
- Traffic (Both customer vehicles, and delivery / waste collection, Crossing safety on BWL, Impact/viability of the existing national cycle route, Arodene Rd Rat Run)
- Employment Policy (Hire of Local Staff, Staff Continuity, London Living Wage, Hire of local young people for *paid* training/apprenticeship).
- Customer Engagement (Benefit of familiar counter staff, relationship in independents, vs. Checkout or No Staff, i.e. Self Checkout)
- Community Relationships in General (including accepting the Brixton Pound).
- The Council acting for the community, beyond it's basic legal mandate re: planning
One overriding theme was impact on local independents. Sainsbury's reps claimed other stores of theirs had been a positive catalyst, one council rep said the evidence was the opposite.
Not everyone was anti/concerned, and people who were pro were invited (by Chuka) to have their say, and were by and large treated respectfully by everyone else.
Anyone else here attend? Perhaps you can fill out some of the inevitable gaps in my list above.
Although these types of forums end up being very long, I'd strongly recommend going if you are serious about your views. You can get a much better understanding about how people feel, and also get your own views across to elected reps who - I guess - won't read much / anything from here in the bear pit.
Hi Paolo
That is a very good summary. I agree with you that it's very positive to go to the meeting, although online discussion has merit too. The point was made in the meeting that a lot of residents in our area are not online. Some are though obviously, and one chap nimbly collected 18 of our email addresses after the meeting and has set up a googlegroup called
unexpecteditem@googlegroups.com (hehe). One interesting planning conspiracy theory has already been circulated.
I tweeted from @StMatthewsTRA during the meeting so for more of an in-running flavour here is what I managed to capture.
Full house here in th St Matthew's Tenants Hall for the Sainsburys PQT. View photo The panel. pic.twitter.com/BQZL9cnv
Chuka says he did the same PQT format for Abbeville Road Sainsburys.
Sainsburys explain their vision:10k square foot, open July, 24 car parking spaces
Ruth Ling explains why no consultation was legally needed. Planning applications will happen now re fascia, refuse etc.
Marcia Cameron reminds Sainsburys that the site is on Rush Common.
Local parent voices concern about increased traffic at the junction, asks if any plans to make it safer.
Sandra M. on behalf of local shops asks how many Sainsburys. Chuka says 8 within one mile .Where are we going to get our carpet? she adds.
Residents rep asks whether Lambeth can take a lead on doing things a better way so residents don't feel ambushed.
Lambeth Licensing officer says her hands are tied under current licensing regime. All valid applications must be allowed.She adds that we cannot tell Sainsburys what to do. Unless it goes to Committee.
Have to refer if 1. Prevention of crime and disorder. 2. Public safety. 3. Prevention of public nuisance eg litter .4. Protecting children from harm.
Chuka asks, to what extent do you care about the impact on local businesses.
Sainsbury's project manager would look to act on whatever improvements suggested in planning process.
Sainsbury's Property Communications girl says increased footfall benefits other stores eg Abbeville Road. Ruth Ling sets the record straight with specific examples of long-standing Abbeville Road shops that have closed or are on their last legs.
Chuka sympathizes with council as Labour amendments would have enabled them to take competition into consideration.
Sainsburys say it won't be 24 hours.
Applause in room for Josephine Ave resident who urges council to be confrontational with supermarkets. Let them take you to court!
Two more residents ask what can be done? What extra services can Sainsburys offer such as pharmacy, recycling? What are traffic projections?
Ruth Ling on traffic management: yes, planning application can require developer to offset costs
Marcia Cameron on confronting, we can include it in our local plan ( UDP). Also can use licensing laws. Already 6 or 7 places in Tulse Hill.that sell alcohol. We could declare Tulse Hill a saturation zone.Marcia hopes Sainsbury will refrain from promoting alcohol.
Marcia puts the rumour to S. Is it true you recruit friends of friends not people from the local area. Chuka adds living wage
Sainsbury says prices would be lower than in a convenience store. They are a responsible retailer wrt alcohol.
Sainsburys admit no examples of changing course due to opposition. Claim they employ in a 4 mile radius on average.
Esther challenges them on why opening hours in application form are 6-12 and they are saying 7-11. Sets them straight on form.
Resident asks how we will sleep through deliveries.
25 year resident laments effect of staff rotation. Another resident foresees worsening rat runs in Arodene, Lambert, Helix
Mary from Tulse Hill Forum notes we need a different model on how supermarkets could work with local community. They should make overtures.
Ros Griffiths says what's missing from the Sainsbury's "vision" is a commitment to the London Living Wage. She says we want something back. We are under no illusion why you're there. Let's do some business.
Resident asks councillors to use Rush Common as bargaining chip. Sainsbury says they have Rush Common consent already.
Age UK rep asks if you will run a tab for OAP"s and if they will be allowed to chat.
Marcia notes that traffic calming measures need to be resident led.
Esther reminds Sainsbury they should send her a nice email and points residents to blue notices. Chuka urges residents toi put in representations by 18th Feb. Chuka's website will have the details.
Sainsburys says they have a scheme to increase uptake of retail careers for16-24. Local organizers point out online application is a problem
Chuka invites hands up from any pro votes. There are about 4. A Jo Avenue resident says she prefers a big store to "sleazy" fast food shops.
Daughter of local shopkeeper counters that they are not rude and their shop is not rubbish.
Question about the cycle path on Brixton Water Lane.
Former small business says small businesses have been put out of business by high rents and rates.
Chuka points finger at central government on rates and agrees it is a massive issue.
Project Manager says he does care, is up for having another meeting and meet 'the local youth'. Construction would be in reasonable hours.
Chuka gets a show of hands on who sometimes shops at a Sainsbury's and who will probably use this one. Lots of hands go up. He says let's be honest with ourselves: we are trying to protect the local traders from our own shopping habits. Begs Sainsbury to listen to the points raised. 'For God's sake work with the community...I don't want all our shopping streets to end up looking the same.'
