Tesco Express still planned @ The Essex Arms
In December Tesco withdrew their application to build an Express store on the former Essex Arms site (see withdrawal on council site) on Forest Road (2-3 minutes walk from Blackhorse Road tube).
While many celebrated Tesco’s apparent withdrawal, others were disappointed the company wouldn’t be redeveloping the currently unloved site.
To clarify the situation BAG contacted Tesco spokeswoman Carol Leslie who said Tesco still intended developing an Express store and had merely withdrawn the plans in order to modify them to increase the likelihood of approval. Leslie stated that the plan was still for mixed use but that Waltham Forest council and Tesco intend to build more residential units than originally planned.
The initial proposal had 9 car parking spaces, secure bays for 14 bikes and would be open between 7am and 11pm. Debate has raged over whether this will decimate local business’s and destroy diversity or whether it’s actually a good use of a derelict site.
Read original story on Tesco Express proposals
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I can not understand why Waltham Forest planning dept take so long to grant permission. The last 10 years of prosperity in the UK has passed Waltham Forest by. We have seen less desirable areas become desirable with the help of new developments but in Waltham Forest we are stuck in a groundhog day. The Essex Arms is a dilapidated eyesore, the immediate area is run down and the scattering of local shops offer a selection of out of date and unbranded products, why would you have to think twice about granting Tesco permission to rejuvenate this area?
I think its more a case of Tesco withdrawing the application so they can resubmitt with a more profitable and in the eyes of the council better application featuring more houses packed in alongside the Tesco Express
I totally agree with Gerald. The choice is between a new Tesco and a decaying derelict site that is a breeding ground for rats and a haven for criminals and vandals. Surely this is a no-brainer.
Has anyone else noticed that the pub has now become a squat!?!