Pub car park store scheme is thrown out

Punch Taverns appealed to the government’s planning inspectorate after Wyre Council rejected its bid to open a Co-op beside the Shovels Inn in Hambleton after hundreds of residents objected.

But inspector Roger Catchpole said a claim in paperwork which said the busy A588 – which carries 13,000 vehicles every day – had ‘no history of traffic safety issues’ was incorrect.

The county council actually recorded seven accidents between 2009 to 2015 near the junction with Kiln Lane, including two involving child pedestrians, he said.

Mr Catchpole said a section of pavement close to the junction was so narrow it could only be walked single-file.

He said: “I walked this section and formed the opinion there would be potential dangers for those walking as part of a group and, as the footway narrows, for one or more people to instinctively step off into the road, increasing the potential for pedestrians to come into conflict with vehicles.

“I also noted it was not possible to safely accommodate mobility scooters or other mobility aids.”

That was important, Mr Catchpole said, because around 40 per cent of Hambleton’s population is older than 60 and potentially less mobile.

A survey showed 87 trips to and from the shops would be made during peak hours, he added.

Two sites for zebra crossing proposed by Punch Taverns were considered but rejected after concerns were raised about their design and locations.

In planning documents, the firm’s agent D2 Planning said the 325sqm shop would see a brownfield site redeveloped, make use of an under-used car park, and see £1m invested in the area.

Between 35 and 40 jobs would have been created, papers also revealed. Punch Taverns said it was ‘disappointed’ and is reviewing its options.