PLANS to alter the one way entrance into the Co-op store in Studley to take two-way traffic have sparked alarm at Studley Parish Council.
The alteration is part of a proposal to build a 45 unit retirement home put forward by developer McCarthy and Stone.
The development would replace what has become a village eyesore on the corner of High Street and Alcester Road, on the site of an old needle factory which burned down in the late 1970s.
Whilst welcoming the development Councillors voiced concerns about the entrance and exit, despite the highways authority, Warwickshire, saying they had no objections.
“It’s going to be a very tight turn for the delivery lorries to the Co-op both going in and coming out,” said parish chair Coun Colin Summers.
Concerns were also voiced over the ‘uninspiring’ design of the proposed development, the lack of parking – only 30 car parking spaces will be provided – the motorway-style crash barrier to protect an outer wall running along the High Street, and the possible loss of view of countryside for those descending the High Street.
Councillors also thought the design was out of keeping with the black and white cottage on the corner.
However Coun Sue Redman said: “McCarthy and Stone are a very reputable developer and the quality of their developments is always good and I do not see a major issue here except on the access and egress of the site.”
Coun Brian Dixon added: “But we must make these points, this is why we are sitting around the table – we should give our view and if we have concerns we should raise them.”
Members voted to object to the plans on the grounds of access and to ask McCarthy and Stone if they could vary the rendering and roof tiles of the development to make it more in keeping with the surroundings.
