Morpeth Supermarket Wars

9.49.43am GMT Wed 18th Nov 2009

There are now three separate planning applications pending for supermarket developments in and around Morpeth. Salisbury's want to build at the A196/A192 intersection in Stobhill, Tesco on the Coopies Lane Trading Estate and there is a proposal by Dransfield Properties (the Town centre re-developer) for a new supermarket at Low Stanners, which would include additional town centre car parking and the widening of Staithes Lane. Decisions on all these applications will be taken by the County Planning Committee. Whilst it is flattering that the supermarket giants are falling over themselves to invest in new stores in our area, there are fears that the out-of-town stores proposed by Salisbury's and Tesco could threaten the viability of the new town centre development. Additionally the Sainsbury's application would begin to fill the greenfield space between Morpeth and Hepscott. Hepscott residents and the Parish Council are strongly opposed to this. Morpeth Town Council has also formally opposed both of the out-of-town proposals. However, with some reservations, Morpeth Town Council has supported the Dransfield proposal at Low Stanners. If this development was to be approved it is unlikely to be open before 2013. Residents have the right to participate in the planning process. If you wish your views to be taken into account please write to the Planning Department, Northumberland County Council, County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF.