Thank you JMC, Dave, Pink Panther and sgq for you comments. I don’t think the opening of a supermarket in Marple will have a huge impact on existing food retailers as the bulk of Marple’s food is already purchased outside the area and those who support the specialist local retailers, be it because they wish to support local shops, or pay a premium for personal service, or seek a quality or products not usually available elsewhere, are almost certain to continue to do so. The more specialist retailers might be more vulnerable when, and if, the supermarket moved into non food product ranges.
Having said that, Altricham has a Tesco a similar distance from the town centre; it opened some years ago but has just reopened following expansion. Despite its proximity to the town, or, perhaps, because of it, Altrincham town centre appears to prosper.
As far as the Hanbury’s site is concerned I had assumed that the reason the Co-op bought it was to reduce the risk of a Sainsbury Local or Tesco Express opening in Marple.
With regard to the potential size of any development, Handforth Dean and Portwood, the site with which Hibbert Lane is often compared, are Tesco Extras. The term “supermarket” seems to be no longer used by Tesco and their outlets at Glossop and Whaley Bridge are “Tesco Superstores”. I don’t think there is any chance of a store the size of an “Extra” being even contemplated in Marple, whatever the size of the site. It would be commercially insane and would fail the planning requirements on several grounds. I suspect that, exactly as happened in Glossop and Whaley Bridge, a modest superstore would come first with limited expansion when, and if, the need became clear. OK the faux rural architecture adopted by supermarkets is a bit twee but is still preferable to the slabs at Glossop and Whaley Bridge
I completely agree with sgks that the non payment of corporation tax is wrong. I assume, however, that what Tesco has done is completely lawful and is for the benefit of shareholders (including our pension funds). In that case the fault lies not with Tesco but with the law which should be changed.
I have followed the link to “many independent studies” and would make two comments.
Firstly, all the research quoted relates to the USA and Wal-Mart in particular. Different considerations may arise in this country and I wonder if you are aware of any similar research in the UK?
Secondly I cannot see that in any case is the source of funding stated and am not, therefore, clear as to why it is necessarily independent research.
