Post in The Friar, Marston Road

Apr 14 16:47 UTC

Perhaps.  There has clearly been some gamesmanship between Clint and
planners these past few months, both in respect of this and the Lemon
Tree application.

But for years I have known people who feel that the planning system
(it's not necessarily a reflection on Oxford's planners alone - it
seems deeply embedded) does not really appreciate the needs of
smaller, often more locally based, businesses and developers who are
often carrying big debt while waiting for discussions and
applications to run their course.  It was particularly bad a couple
of years back where getting an appeal date alone could take months
and then they'd only get one a year away.

I am not of course saying that one should "nod them through" but,
just as an "Englishman's home is his castle", supposedly, the
planning system is in fact there to facilitate development - the
underlying principle being that somebody ought, within reason, to be
able to do what -they want- with what belongs to them*.  And every
delay means more costs to the owner.

Tesco, on the other hand, can afford to ride out such delays and
inconveniences.

Personally as a three times a week Co-op customer there at least, I'd
be sorry to see either of the two general stores in Old Marston Road
in financial trouble because of this, but the planning system ought
not be used to protect businesses from competition - unless there is
an over-riding public consideration - and the Post Office *might* be
such.  It's an awkward site to be sure.  And if competition results,
as it almost inevitably does, in cheaper or better quality food being
available to local people then that is to their benefit.  Who knows,
in the worst case scenario, one could perhaps see one of the other
supermarkets go, the rent fall a little and some other local
entrepreneur doing something vaguely complimentary to Tesco's
presence might emerge and actually cause a diversification there -
any one of those modernist buildings tarted up could make a great
setting for a cafe or some other useful local shop.

But, for example, I know people (myself included) find it difficult
at present to cross the Marston Road there already (by foot
especially but even in a car it's difficult), even before this news,
and while the two existing stores still attract business that area is
completely parked up with customers of theirs (why should Tesco
attract only people on foot when those other two clearly attract
people in cars?).  But an organisation with the luxury of time and
financial muscle has presumably already budgetted for seeing out the
planning process come what may.  One wonders what else they may be
willing to put on the table to get that permission (traffic lights
with pedestrian facilities at that junction, say?).

It is not a level playing field in my opinion at the moment.

Jock

*of course as a land reform advocate I do not personally subscribe to
this mantra!
http://www.jockcoats.org.uk/jocks_categories/land_value_tax