Comments for Bovey Tracey http://boveytracey.net/local Comment from the community Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:43:10 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Sainsbury’s – To Be or Not To Be by Umpalumpa http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-172 Umpalumpa Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:43:10 +0000 http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-172 You cant stop progress. Lets have the store. woo hoo to better shooping You cant stop progress. Lets have the store. woo hoo to better shooping

]]> Comment on Sainsbury’s – To Be or Not To Be by Onetheonehand http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-159 Onetheonehand Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:39:46 +0000 http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-159 Bovey has two independent greengrocers and a couple of butchers shops. There is also an independent deli, which sells bread as well. Tesco operates an Express shop and there is also another small shop selling a limited range of groceries. There are 11 pubs/tea rooms, 3 charity shops, 2 banks (HSBC has closed), an artist guild, a couple of dentists, an accountant, architect, chip shop, Chinese, Indian, optician, 3 estate agents, an insurance broker, IFA, ironmonger, 3 garages, pharmacy, solicitor, jeweller, wool shop, several gift shops, newsagent, and 2 fast-food outlets. I may have missed out a few others. But, the high street is a hotch-potch of small independent businesses. Sainsbury's will affect the future of a few of these where they charge premium prices for average products, using the argument that to get a good range of competitively priced products you have to drive 20 miles there and back to Newton Abbot. Having a car is necessary, and being able to afford £1.50 for a litre of fuel is a temporary respite before it escalates to £2.00 and beyond. Can you see where this is going? Welcome Sainsbury's! (But only if your prices are the same as in your major outlets. Otherwise; stay away). Bovey has two independent greengrocers and a couple of butchers shops. There is also an independent deli, which sells bread as well. Tesco operates an Express shop and there is also another small shop selling a limited range of groceries. There are 11 pubs/tea rooms, 3 charity shops, 2 banks (HSBC has closed), an artist guild, a couple of dentists, an accountant, architect, chip shop, Chinese, Indian, optician, 3 estate agents, an insurance broker, IFA, ironmonger, 3 garages, pharmacy, solicitor, jeweller, wool shop, several gift shops, newsagent, and 2 fast-food outlets. I may have missed out a few others. But, the high street is a hotch-potch of small independent businesses. Sainsbury’s will affect the future of a few of these where they charge premium prices for average products, using the argument that to get a good range of competitively priced products you have to drive 20 miles there and back to Newton Abbot. Having a car is necessary, and being able to afford £1.50 for a litre of fuel is a temporary respite before it escalates to £2.00 and beyond. Can you see where this is going? Welcome Sainsbury’s! (But only if your prices are the same as in your major outlets. Otherwise; stay away).

]]> Comment on Sainsbury’s ? What Sainsbury’s by Louise http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=74#comment-122 Louise Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:20:47 +0000 http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=74#comment-122 Please make sure you make representations on the Teignbridge Core Strategy currently out to public consultation. There are strategic policies for the district but also specific policies relating to Bovey Tracey and the piece of land in question. As a planning professional I would advise you that commenting on the Core Strategy which sets the development agenda for 2013 - 2033 is the best way to try and influence planning decisions in the future. Planners will need to make their decicions in accordance with these policies so you need to make sure you have your say on their content. Consultation is open until 2nd March. Go to this page to see more info: http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?ArticleID=13678 I would also consider a Neighbourhood Develoment Plan (detail in the Localism Act, see also Locality.org) as I imaigine the Town Council are considering Sainsbury's to secure a good income from the land. If this is not the use you would like, petitions will be somewhat limited in impact. Your best bet is to work up a business plan for an alternative. It will involve lots of hard work but if you are really serious, a town/neighbourhood plan with a strong evidence base to support what development you are seeking and/or a business plan for an alternative use of the site will be most pragmatic. This is what Localism is really about, complaints and petitions are unlikely to secure the result you seek - a considered, well researched proposal from an oragnised, focused group who are prepared to sit down around the table in a non confrontational manner and discuss workable options is best. Please make sure you make representations on the Teignbridge Core Strategy currently out to public consultation. There are strategic policies for the district but also specific policies relating to Bovey Tracey and the piece of land in question. As a planning professional I would advise you that commenting on the Core Strategy which sets the development agenda for 2013 – 2033 is the best way to try and influence planning decisions in the future. Planners will need to make their decicions in accordance with these policies so you need to make sure you have your say on their content. Consultation is open until 2nd March. Go to this page to see more info: http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?ArticleID=13678

I would also consider a Neighbourhood Develoment Plan (detail in the Localism Act, see also Locality.org) as I imaigine the Town Council are considering Sainsbury’s to secure a good income from the land. If this is not the use you would like, petitions will be somewhat limited in impact. Your best bet is to work up a business plan for an alternative. It will involve lots of hard work but if you are really serious, a town/neighbourhood plan with a strong evidence base to support what development you are seeking and/or a business plan for an alternative use of the site will be most pragmatic. This is what Localism is really about, complaints and petitions are unlikely to secure the result you seek – a considered, well researched proposal from an oragnised, focused group who are prepared to sit down around the table in a non confrontational manner and discuss workable options is best.

]]> Comment on Bovey Tracey Amenities Society – Meeting (Part 2) by David Stokes http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=94#comment-75 David Stokes Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:01:27 +0000 http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=94#comment-75 Glad you enjoyed it too. I had nothing to do with organising it, that was down to Bovey Tracey Amenities Society, I'm just an interested local. The address that was written up on the board was simply an email contact to request a copy of the notes (minutes sounds too formal). I don't know if they have any intention of running it as a website. I will post a copy of the notes on this site anyway (assuming they have no objection), when they bocome available. Glad you enjoyed it too. I had nothing to do with organising it, that was down to Bovey Tracey Amenities Society, I’m just an interested local. The address that was written up on the board was simply an email contact to request a copy of the notes (minutes sounds too formal). I don’t know if they have any intention of running it as a website.
I will post a copy of the notes on this site anyway (assuming they have no objection), when they bocome available.

]]> Comment on Bovey Tracey Amenities Society – Meeting (Part 2) by Pauline Woodard http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=94#comment-74 Pauline Woodard Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:44:59 +0000 http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=94#comment-74 I have tried to get onto Paul's website but have failed. The page keeps saying something like 'unavailable'. We enjoyed the meeting, thankyou for arranging it. Good luck with the analysis!! I have tried to get onto Paul’s website but have failed. The page keeps saying something like ‘unavailable’. We enjoyed the meeting, thankyou for arranging it. Good luck with the analysis!!

]]> Comment on Sainsbury’s – To Be or Not To Be by Matthew http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-46 Matthew Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:25:45 +0000 http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-46 If you want to see the result of a supermarket being built next to a small town I would urge a visit to Cullompton. It is shocking, there are now only 4 independent shops left, 3 charity shops and 21 empty shops. The same thing happened to Frome, Somerset in the last recession and it took 10 years to regenerate Catherine Hill with an innovative 'artist look after the shop' scheme. If you want to see the result of a supermarket being built next to a small town I would urge a visit to Cullompton. It is shocking, there are now only 4 independent shops left, 3 charity shops and 21 empty shops. The same thing happened to Frome, Somerset in the last recession and it took 10 years to regenerate Catherine Hill with an innovative ‘artist look after the shop’ scheme.

]]> Comment on Sainsbury’s – To Be or Not To Be by John Lund http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-38 John Lund Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:25:16 +0000 http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-38 It seems that the town councillors are part of a mass suicide pact as far as re-election is concerned. Walking around the town and its environs one sees so many posters opposing the sale of land which belongs to the community and Sainsbury's plan to build a supermarket that is blatantly obvious the majority of the community is opposed. Whatever the councillors decide the voters of Bovey Tracey will judge them through the ballot box. As there is clearly so much opposition an open meeting should be held to allow local residents to express their views and hear the councillors reasons for attempting to overturn a covenant that benefits the community. It seems that the town councillors are part of a mass suicide pact as far as re-election is concerned. Walking around the town and its environs one sees so many posters opposing the sale of land which belongs to the community and Sainsbury’s plan to build a supermarket that is blatantly obvious the majority of the community is opposed. Whatever the councillors decide the voters of Bovey Tracey will judge them through the ballot box. As there is clearly so much opposition an open meeting should be held to allow local residents to express their views and hear the councillors reasons for attempting to overturn a covenant that benefits the community.

]]> Comment on Sainsbury’s – To Be or Not To Be by Richard http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-37 Richard Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:59:52 +0000 http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-37 It's more complex than one might think. Instinctively one is against such a move, for obvious reasons. However if the idea of more visitors to the town & fewer residents travelling elsewhere to shop is attractive, the concept of a small supermarket should not be totally dismissed. I live in the South Hams but have previously lived in & near Bovey for 23 years & am likely to return fairly soon - how could one not? So I do have an interest! Bovey's a fairly unusual town in that it has a mixed population (retired, commuting & local working, or at least wannabee working), fringe (rather than prime) tourism & close accessible proximity of lots of commercial retail competition. It's typical though of having no specific unique selling proposition & is, like every community, up against online retail. So the possibility exists of attracting people into the town itself, <b>given</b> an opportunity to park for free & get easy access to some specific attractions in the town centre (Mill Marsh Park, Devon Guild, some decent pubs (?), specialist shops) possibly on their way to the moor (or not). And pick up their bulk shopping during the visit, rather than going to Newton etc. & by-passing Bovey altogether. Kingsbridge might be a good comparison - everyone up in arms about a second, let alone first, small supermarket arriving. Tesco gave free parking for accessing the town centre (much the same distance as this site in Bovey) & so far as I can see local trade has not suffered (though how can you really tell in this economic climate?) Even the greengrocer, butcher, fishmonger & general hardware stores seem to be surviving. A few specialist shops also seem to benefit from more people visiting. So I suggest the ogre is not totally dismissed on the grounds that it will kill local retail businesses in the town. They might have to up their game but a magnet might not be such an awful thing. HOWEVER the issue of this piece of land is something different. It has a covenant to provide community facilities (not construed as a supermarket, I guess). There are two simple questions surely: Has the need for a community centre in Bovey disappeared, regardless of short, even medium, term limitations on financing such a project? If not, is it economically, socially & environmentally beneficial to the town (that means residents & businesses, not a council) to consider any available alternative sites for the longer term provision of the facilities? In the mid 1980s some numpty decided there was no need for a second primary school in the town - I think the argument was that all the new housing would be for retirement & second homes! There is, I imagine, a desperate need for extra primary school places. How is this being addressed in relation to the possibilities of alternative sites for a community facility? I thought restrictive covenants could only be lifted under certain specific circumstances, basically where it was reasonable to do so & no party was adversely affected. The question might be: who are the parties concerned? The town council or the residents (& to a lesser extent for a community centre) businesses of the town? Who is the true beneficiary of the covenant? Sounds like a good case for a local referendum. There's also the little issue of planning consent - but no doubt large supermarkets take that in their stride. It’s more complex than one might think. Instinctively one is against such a move, for obvious reasons. However if the idea of more visitors to the town & fewer residents travelling elsewhere to shop is attractive, the concept of a small supermarket should not be totally dismissed. I live in the South Hams but have previously lived in & near Bovey for 23 years & am likely to return fairly soon – how could one not? So I do have an interest!
Bovey’s a fairly unusual town in that it has a mixed population (retired, commuting & local working, or at least wannabee working), fringe (rather than prime) tourism & close accessible proximity of lots of commercial retail competition. It’s typical though of having no specific unique selling proposition & is, like every community, up against online retail. So the possibility exists of attracting people into the town itself, given an opportunity to park for free & get easy access to some specific attractions in the town centre (Mill Marsh Park, Devon Guild, some decent pubs (?), specialist shops) possibly on their way to the moor (or not). And pick up their bulk shopping during the visit, rather than going to Newton etc. & by-passing Bovey altogether.
Kingsbridge might be a good comparison – everyone up in arms about a second, let alone first, small supermarket arriving. Tesco gave free parking for accessing the town centre (much the same distance as this site in Bovey) & so far as I can see local trade has not suffered (though how can you really tell in this economic climate?) Even the greengrocer, butcher, fishmonger & general hardware stores seem to be surviving. A few specialist shops also seem to benefit from more people visiting.
So I suggest the ogre is not totally dismissed on the grounds that it will kill local retail businesses in the town. They might have to up their game but a magnet might not be such an awful thing.
HOWEVER the issue of this piece of land is something different. It has a covenant to provide community facilities (not construed as a supermarket, I guess). There are two simple questions surely:
Has the need for a community centre in Bovey disappeared, regardless of short, even medium, term limitations on financing such a project?
If not, is it economically, socially & environmentally beneficial to the town (that means residents & businesses, not a council) to consider any available alternative sites for the longer term provision of the facilities?
In the mid 1980s some numpty decided there was no need for a second primary school in the town – I think the argument was that all the new housing would be for retirement & second homes! There is, I imagine, a desperate need for extra primary school places. How is this being addressed in relation to the possibilities of alternative sites for a community facility?
I thought restrictive covenants could only be lifted under certain specific circumstances, basically where it was reasonable to do so & no party was adversely affected. The question might be: who are the parties concerned? The town council or the residents (& to a lesser extent for a community centre) businesses of the town? Who is the true beneficiary of the covenant? Sounds like a good case for a local referendum.
There’s also the little issue of planning consent – but no doubt large supermarkets take that in their stride.

]]> Comment on Sainsbury’s – To Be or Not To Be by David Palmer http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-36 David Palmer Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:47:32 +0000 http://boveytracey.net/local/?p=60#comment-36 How to destroy a town and community with one poor decision. I came here to get away from supermarkets and industrial estates. How to destroy a town and community with one poor decision. I came here to get away from supermarkets and industrial estates.

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