The Petition
The proposed new Tesco Express in Herne Hill is not needed by the community and not wanted by local people. It is a threat to local businesses and will damage the unique character that makes people want to live in Herne Hill or come and visit the area.
The
original planning application refers to plans for 'retail and or professional/financial services' with no specific mention of a supermarket, despite the impact that this would have on the local economy and traffic issues resulting from deliveries.
This is an underhand and undemocratic way for Tesco to establish a presence in the community – Herne Hill is already well-served by a number of independent shops, plus a Sainsbury’s Local. If there had been an upfront and honest proposal to open another supermarket at the start of the planning process, there would have been multiple objections from local people (witness the petition with over 1600 signatures opposing a Tesco in nearby Brixton Hill).
By dodging this vital part of the democratic process, a new Tesco in Herne Hill would only create ill-feeling amongst the local community and negative publicity for the company. We call on Tesco to acknowledge the wishes of local residents and abandon plans for a new store in Herne Hill.