Kentish Express Ashford & District
First stage begins for food store in pub’s car park
Plan objectors feared loss of parking and extra traffic
Archaeological digs are set to start on the site of a proposed 3,000 sq ft convenience store, despite local objections.
Marrons Planning was granted planning permission to build a new food shop in Loudon Way in Godinton Park in July last year.
The store will be occupied by the Co-Operative and will see the creation of 10 part-time and 10 full-time jobs.
It is being built on the car park which is currently owned by Punch Taverns alongside the New Chimneys pub, but residents fear it will mean a loss of parking particularly for parents dropping off and collecting children at Godinton Primary School in the mornings and afternoons.
When the scheme was first proposed hundreds of residents signed a petition in opposition, and said they already have a convenience store on the estate and say extra traffic could cause more road accidents.
At the time of the application, Hornbeam Close resident Emma Jenkins said: “I don’t want this and it’s not fair to those who live nearby. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Meanwhile neighbour Gerald Clark said he was worried that the new store would put the existing store out of business.
He said: “We should be helping small businesses to thrive, not driving them out.”
The store will be built between Godinton Village Hall and the New Chimneys pub, which is run by Costas Constanti.
He said: “I supported the application because Godinton Park and Repton Park are developing and need a decent shop here in the middle of the estate.
“It would clear the car park because it is used by youths at night who come and make a lot of noise. I know that parents at the school are worried, but it is private property.”
Mr Constanti said there are currently more than 150 spaces, and estimates that only 20 will be lost once the new store is built.
He added that he expects work to begin within a month or so.
Meanwhile a spokesman for Punch Taverns said it will take up to six months for the store to be built.
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