FAQs
Why build the Foodstore here near to an existing Foodstore?
This is the most accessible side of Ripley with good road communications and prominence. This applies as much to the servicing of the store as it does to the customers.
How will the Foodstore impact on town centre trade?
A new Foodstore should increase the range and choice of shopping for local people and complement, rather than compete with existing shops in Ripley town centre. However, developers have demonstrated through the Retail Impact Assessment that the impact of the store will be mainly against other supermarkets within the area, including Derby, Alfreton, Belper, Eastwood and Heanor. As Morrisons does not not sell many non-food items, such as electrical goods, housewares and clothing, any impact on the town centre will be reduced.
Ripley Town Centre has proved itself resilient to changes in the economy, despite having Foodstores in the Town for many years. Likewise Alfreton, where the opening of a Foodstore did not have the detrimental impact that many people feared. The new Foodstore in Langley Mill has brought much needed regeneration and new jobs to the town. The Council will be using the Ripley Masterplan to deliver further improvements to the Town Centre.
How will the road network deal with the increased volume of traffic?
A detailed Traffic Assessment has been undertaken into the proposed supermarket, sports and housing development. It has been concluded that the existing road network can cater for the extra traffic. As part of the supermarket development improvements are proposed to the Sainsbury's roundabout and a signal controlled junction at the junction of Steam Mill Lane/ Nottingham Road. The second leg of the relief road will be built and this will access the supermarket from the roundabout that serves the police headquarters. This road will serve both public access and servicing access.
Why Morrisons?
As part of the marketing of the site all major supermarket operators were approached. Morrisons showed the greatest interest in the site both from a financial point of view and from the commitment they showed. Morrisons expect trade from their already busy stores in Derby, Eastwood and Belper to be partially diverted to Ripley so that residents within the locality have less distance to travel.
When is work likely to start and when will the Foodstore open?
Assuming that planning consent is granted, in Spring 2013, initially the sports fields will have to be relocated. Thereafter, the access roads to the site will be constructed. It is therefore anticipated that construction of the Foodstore can start in early 2014 for completion in Autumn 2014.
Why should the Foodstore get planning permission?
The Developer is confident that its proposals are supported by national and local planning policies and will provide demonstrable benefits to local people, but it is committed to engaging with the community at this stage to make sure we can reflect on their issues, as part of the planning application process.
What are the plans for the link road?
The proposed Scheme provides for a re-located roundabout and approximately 150 metres of a single carriageway road as the start of the second phase of a new A610 link road between Ripley and Langley Mill. This is to be designed in such a way as to ensure that it does not prejudice the route of the rest of the phase, which has still to be determined, and may depend on funding and other developments coming forward. A new access road from this start will connect to the proposed relocated recreation provision and the residential development. A temporary access will be provided from Nottingham Road so that the replacement recreation facilities can be provided first of all.
What sports will benefit from the Scheme?
The proposed sports fields are predominantly football as the main activity. The cricket pitch is proposed to be relocated to Derbyshire Constabulary land that is to the East of the site. In addition, new facilities will include a relocated skate park, a multi use games area, a children's playground and a trim trail around the perimeter of the site. The sports fields will be set in a parkland setting that will take advantage of the existing trees and hedges.
Will there be any industrial development on the site?
The proposed Scheme, if approved, will remove the permitted business and industrial use of part of the land, with access from Nottingham Road.
How many jobs will be created as part of the supermarket development?
It is anticipated that 100 full time and 200 part time jobs will be created in the supermarket. Statistics provided by Morrisons show that 75% of their workforce live within 3 miles of their stores demonstrating jobs for the locality
What about local wildlife?
A detailed ecological assessment and aboricultural survey has been undertaken of the site. Existing trees and hedges are being retained and enhanced where possible, no rare species were identified as part of the surveys.
What about road safety issues?
As part of the Traffic Assessment the developers are consulting with Derbyshire County Council as the Highways Authority to ensure that the alterations to the highway conform to the standards required.
How can the Council fairly judge a planning application if it has a financial interest in its outcome?
It is not unusual for a local authority to decide on an application such as this, or in relation to land that it owns. Any planning application will be considered and determined by the Council's Planning Board, which is a wholly separate process to any decision that the Council may take in terms of its interests as a landowner. The Planning Board will focus solely on the planning merits of the proposals, having regard to national and local planning policies and other material planning considerations, and taking into account public representations.
Why is residential shown instead of the employment uses that already has planning consent on Nottingham Road?
It has been established that there are sufficient employment sites within the locality