PEOPLE in Headless Cross are due to attend a meeting regarding a new convenience store in the village.
In December of last year, residents turned up in force to a planning committee meeting to oppose the development of a new convenience store on the corner of Birchfield road and Fekenham Road.
Bengeworth Property Investment Ltd have put forward the plans to demolish the building.
In the planning statement, the company said: “This planning application seeks full planning permission for the demolition of the existing building and construction of a convenience store and associated car park.
“Fifteen car parking spaces including two disabled spaces and two electric vehicle spaces will be provided to the front of the building. In addition, provision has been made for cycle parking to actively encourage this sustainable mode of transport.
“The proposed development would have a single access/egress to and from Feckenham Road and dedicated servicing bay”.
Campaigners are against the opening of the store as they say the traffic on the road already creates chaos, and having a new shop will only cause further congestion.
They also concerned the traffic data used in the planning application was taken during the pandemic, where there was less cars on the road.
Residents conducted their own traffic survey, where they found an average of one car using the junction every 15 seconds.
Campaigner Maggie Wheeler said: “We are campaigning because this store is being imposed those without consultation.
“There is a serious risk to public safety if that convenience store goes ahead. Both children and elderly residents use that junction regularly on the double yellow lines are never enforced.”
Another resident, Hannah McGahan said: “ Its bad enough trying to cross Birchfield Road already. This will make it worse. Someone is going to get hurt.”
Councillor for Headless Cross Ian Woodall added: “The residents have real concerns. I will be asking the committee to visit the site during peak usage times to see the issues first hand.”
The meeting is at 7pm Thursday February 13 at Oakenshaw Community Centre.
