Save Our Stokesley group formed to oppose the development of a food store on Mill Riggs farmadjacent to the A172
Save Our Stokesley meeting
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A new supermarket planned for Stokesley would “decimate” the market town’s high street, concerned residents claim.
Around 100 people attended the gathering called by campaign group Save Our Stokesley.
The group was formed to oppose the development of a food store on Mill Riggs farm adjacent to the A172.
Property developer Terrace Hill last month submitted plans to Hambleton District Council for the new 1,394sqm development on the 5.3 acre site.
If given the green light, the proposals would see a supermarket, expected to be operated by one of the big five retailers, built on the site as well as parking facilities, a petrol station, a new roundabout junction on the A172 and new access road and footpaths.
Concerns were expressed during a period of consultation by local residents after the plans were first unveiled in November and Save Our Stokesley was rapidly formed.
A cycleway and pedestrian routes were incorporated into the plans after issues were raised but opposition to the development remains strong with more than 300 objections submitted to the council.
Guest speakers at last night’s meeting at Stokesley Parish Church spoke passionately against the plans.
Stewart Brennan, spokesman for Save Our Stokesley, said: “If the plans are allowed to go ahead it could have an irreversible effect on Stokesley.”
He said a petition against the development had been signed by 3,500 people. “When you consider the population of the town, including infants and children, is 4,900, that is quite a lot,” he added.
A Facebook page for the campaign has also attracted support with 881 “likes”.
Speaking at the meeting, Stokesley Parish Councillor Derek Copeland said the development would change the character of the town.
He said: “The development will decimate the high street, fact, there’s no debate about it.”
And with a lengthy battle ahead with strong feelings on the subject, he warned people to guard against “planning fatigue”.
Long-term Stokesley residents Judy Kitching and Michael Westgarth Taylor also spoke with passion for their home town describing it as an “almost perfect small market town”.
A planning application for the development on Hambleton Council’s website has so far received 314 objections and 13 bids of support. Mr Brennan said: “Those numbers show there is a wide base of support for what we are doing and saying.”
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