Tescopoly - Northern Ireland

This website is co-ordinated by organisations concerned about the market-distorting power of the major supermarkets. The information is intended for educational and public awareness purposes. The co-ordinating organisations do so in their individual capacities and only in relation to their own particular areas of expertise, and are not responsible for materials produced and actions taken by other organisations.

The book " Tescopoly" by Andrew Simms has been written and published independently and is not endorsed by the Tescopoly Alliance. It should not be mistaken as an official publication of the Tescopoly Alliance and campaign.

Northern Ireland

Banbridge

In June 2008 an application from Tesco to build a 130,000sq ft store at the Bridgewater Park complex was turned down by the Planning Service. The store would have been the largest Tesco store on the island of Ireland. In 2009 the developer confirmed that it would appeal the decision.

In June 2009, the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) held a public inquiry and concluded that the original decision should stand. On 30th November 2009, the Environment Minister announced that he supported the PAC ruling that the store should be turned down as it would have a potential ruinous impact on Banbridge town centre. Please see "Traders welcome Tesco snub", 30th November 2009 and "This is great news for Banbridge", 2nd December 2009.

However, on the 29th March 2010, Land Securities and Stoney Properties, developers of Bridgewater Park, confirmed that they have submitted a new planning application for a food superstore, which includes a 20% reduction in retail floor space.

Ballycastle

In May 2009 Tesco submitted a planning application to build a supermarket on the Leyland Road, Ballycastle, for a 15,000 sq ft store and 133 car parking spaces. The proposed store is half the size of previous applications. Please see an article in the Ballymoney & Moyle Times, 10th June 2009.

Tesco has been trying to open a store in Ballycastle since 2005 when it first submitted an application for a store on Leyland road. In 2007 Tesco appealed following planning refusal but later withdrew its appeal following a concerted campaign by traders in the town. Please see an article in the Guardian, 7th October 2007.

A revised application for a 15,000 sq ft store in the Leyland Road area of the town was submitted to Planning Service in early 2009. As of May 2010 a decision on the application has still not been made.

Carryduff

In late May 2009 Tesco held a public consultation at the Lough Moss Leisure Centre in Carryduff at which they unveiled their plans for a medium sized store at land east of Edgar Avenue, Saintfield Road, Carryduff (existing greenfield site located beside Carryduff Elim Church).

Tesco is proposing a new eco store to provide a net sales area of just under 15,000 sq ft (i.e. Portstewart size and proposed Ballycastle size) with c. 144 defined car park spaces (site area appox. 0.84 acres).

A Tesco representative at the event said there were no definite timescales for a planning submission and the purpose of the consultation was to obtain public feedback to the proposal.

Crumlin, County Antrim

Traders are opposing a proposed 30,000 sq ft superstore on the edge of the village of Crumlin. Traders expressed concern about the impact on local businesses as well as on traffic and the environment and community of the rural village.

In October 2008, the Ulster Star reported that planners have decided to recommend the application for a new Tesco store in the town should be given the go ahead. And at a Council meeting at the end of October Councillors voted to approve the application. Please see an article in the Antrim Guardian, 30th October 2008.

Ballyclare

Tesco's proposals for a superstore on the outskirts of town have been opposed by traders in Ballyclare. A commmittee of local traders was set up in August 2008 to oppose the development plans. For further information, see coverage in the Newtownabbey Times from 6th August 2008.

In September 2008, campaigners met with local MEP Jim Nicholson. The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIRTA) is also supporting the traders. Please see an article in Northern Ireland News, 22nd September 2008.

On the 24th June 2010 the Planning Service for Northern Ireland recommended the application for the store be refused.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association and Ballyclare Chamber of Trade have both welcomed the decision by DOE Planning Service to reject the proposed out of town store. For more information please see BBC News, 23rd June 2010.

Lisburn

Benson Street Residents Group represents residents and traders concerned at Tesco’s plans to expand its supermarket in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. It was formed in August 2005 when about 80 concerned residents met at short notice to consider the effect of the Tesco plans.

In September 2009, an application for outline planning permission for a 8,000 sqm (over 86,000 sq ft) food store was submitted by developers. Councillors raised strong concerns and the application went to public inquiry. For further information please see an article in Lisburn Today, 10th September 2009.

On the 1st April 2010, Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, confirmed that plans for a new out-of-town supermarket in Lisburm have been rejected. A total of 300 objections had been received. For more information please see an article at bbc.co.uk, 1st April 2010.

However, in August Lisburn Today reported that the Planning Service Management Board was recommending permission for an application involving a a 50% expansion to the store in Bentrim Road. The Benson Street Residents' Group outlined their case again at a meeting and made a last ditch plea to Tesco to withdraw their plans in light of the hurt it will cause local people.