Moneyed Milvertonites’ concerns over Waitrose plans

Supermarket chain Waitrose announced its plans for a £20 million store on the current fire station site on the corner of Dale Street and Warwick Street.

The plans had met with little opposition until a meeting of Leamington Chamber of Trade last week, where small property developer Ashley Bartlett voiced concerns.

He said: “Milverton is one of the most wealthy areas in the country and there are a lot of concerns about having a supermarket on the edge. It’s encroaching into Milverton.

“We don’t feel it’s the location for another supermarket whereas the town centre is crying out for premises to be filled.”

Describing the site as “just out of” the town centre, he warned there could be parking problems and suggested Waitrose could be incorporated into the proposed Clarendon Arcade, adding: “Most local people don’t feel it’s a good place for a supermarket.

“What would be ideal is the town centre not encroaching onto the edge of a very wealthy part of town.”

Maxine Howe, who lives and works in Portland Street, had concerns that roads could support the traffic the 25,000sq ft supermarket would generate, but said she would be happy if the store had enough parking spaces.

No Waitrose representative was present, but Jeff Downes of Warwick architects Corstorphine Wright said the company had been keen to come to Leamington for some years, but had had difficulty finding land until Warwickshire County Council marketed the fire station site.

He added Waitrose has signed an agreement with the council, but other parties had expressed interest and the authority had not yet decided on a buyer.

Mr Downes said the site, which would have parking below the supermarket, was itself a compromise, adding “Hopefully it would add something to the character of Warwick Street and Dale Street and have an attractive facade.”

He added Waitrose sold only food and was keen on a “non-confrontational” approach. He added: “If there is opposition they just won’t come. They are keen to make friends with the community.”