I completely agree with the sentiments expressed by Carolin Holmes and Alan Turner in their letters (Andover Advertiser 20 June) regarding the Tesco mega-shed.
A few weeks ago I looked at the plans at Test Valley Borough Council offices.
The only part I had time to read was the report by Mr Steve Jenkins senior engineer at Hampshire County Council who said, and I quote, recommend travel plans be approved.'
This report was dated 19 March 2008
Mr Jenkins did suggest several amendments which altered the original plans very little, at least in my opinion.
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Estimated traffic movements as follows:
Daily throughput one way 35 HGVs hourly which would equate to 840 every 24 hours.
Even if this movement was limited to 12 hours there would still be 420 in 12 hours.
So far as I can see there would also be light vehicles of which there would be a considerable number.
With a total number of staff around 3,000, parking spaces for 1850 cars, 50 spaces for motorcycles (more noise) and 200 cycle stands.
Mr Jenkins suggests that 60 per cent of staff will drive in of which 15 per cent will share (optimistic I suggest) 15 per cent will use public transport and 10 per cent will walk or cycle.
When considering the effect on the environment emphasis has been on the heavy and lighter commercial vehicles.
If I am correct private cars have not been mentioned, to say nothing of noise from the cars and motor cycles.
I ask how all this stacks up vis a vis the Environment Act 1995 which lays down a legal framework for National Air Quality procedures and the Road Traffic Act 1997 which is supposed to encourage local authorities to use traffic reduction targets as a tool for reducing pollution.
I ask how can a senior engineer for the country recommend approval to this proposal?
I believe that one factor which may weigh heavily on the planning committee will be the consequence if the application is refused ie, the subject of expense of resisting an appeal, which would almost certainly be made I suspect.
If a second attempt was turned down a Government Inspector could be appointed to decide, which could be in favour of the applicants.
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