Tesco site up for grabs (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

St Albans District Council to meet supermarket giant

3:33pm Wednesday 10th March 2010 in Columnists By Alex Lewis

THE future of Tesco's large landholding in the London Road area of St Albans will be on the table in talks between the supermarket chain and the district council.

Despite buying up several disused homes and shops, the derelict Eversheds printing works and a petrol station on the junction with Alma Road, Tesco has now abandoned its plans for a large store in the face of vigorous opposition.

The council has been pledging for years to force the company to restore the empty homes and is now determined to see progress, or even large-scale residential development.

Another possibility for the area, backed by county council cabinet member Richard Thake, is a new primary school to answer demand from the central St Albans area.

District council leader Robert Donald said: "I am obviously delighted that Tesco has decided to develop a store on the Woolworths site rather than the London Road site as this was never the right location for a superstore and reflects the views of the majority of local residents. 

“However, I am anxious that action is taken by Tesco to bring its properties on London Road and Inkerman Road back into habitable use as soon as possible now.

 “I welcome Tesco’s willingness to consult with the council on developing the remainder of this site.

" With the chief executive and the head of planning, I will be meeting with Tesco in the near future to talk about their long-term plans.

"We will obviously explore the need for additional housing and the provision of a primary school site in the city."