Petition plea to stop plans for new store

A petition to stop a new convenience store being built on the Godinton Park estate has collected more than 200 signatures.

Controversial plans to build a 400 sq metre shop in the car park next to the New Chimneys pub in Loudon Way were submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) last year.

Neighbours have warned the proposals could put the nearby Godinton Stores shop out of business, cause congestion and increase the number of accidents.

If approved the store would be built in the car park alongside the pub, meaning 30 car parking spaces would be lost.

The car park, which is privately owned, is used by customers of the pub, the nearby shops, Godinton Village hall and Godinton Primary School.

The opening of the store would also create 20 jobs – 10 part-time and 10 full-time.

The petition, started by the owner of Godinton Stores and signed by 206 people, will be handed over to Ashford Borough Council.

It says: “We already have enough shops within a one mile radius. Residents in the retirement centre opposite are enjoying the atmosphere, so if planning permission is granted, their enjoyment will be destroyed.

“The usage of the car park will be restricted, traffic and congestion will increase and safety of young children will have to be taken into consideration. It should be refused planning.”

An ABC spokesman said the decision to refuse or approve the application will be made by planning officers ‘shortly.’

He said: “We received amended plans but they were not deemed appropriate and so further conversations with the applicant were required.

“The application can be signed off by officers under the delegated powers they have and a decision will be issued shortly.”

For more information go to planning.ashford.gov.uk and search 15/01032/AS.

The car park next to the New Chimneys pub could have a store built on it