Plans to change pub into Tesco given go ahead

PLANS to convert a pub in Lillington into a Tesco store have been given the go-ahead despite strong opposition from residents.

Warwick District Council met last week and agreed to allow a 40 square metre extension to the Walnut Tree pub, in Crown Way, which will turn the boarded up building into a Tesco Express store.

Because of planning laws, changing the use of a pub into a shop the size of a Tesco Express store does not require planning permission.

But consent was required for the retailer to make changes or extensions to the building and install equipment.

Tesco said the new store will boost local business as it will encourage more people to come to the area.

A spokesman added: “The store will be an efficient use of urban land.

“It will provide a valuable and high quality service to local residents and will be a major visual improvement to the site.

“It will also provide 30 jobs for local people.”

But hundreds of people have spent months campaigning against the proposals.

Since Tesco bought the store in May, more than 3,000 people signed a petition against the plans and a Facebook group supporting the Save the Walnut Tree campaign gathered the support of more than 250 people.

Campaign leader Gary Timlin said the decision will rip the heart out of the community.

He said: “It was our community centre and an important place to meet up and there’s now nowhere for people to go.

“A lot of councillors were saying they opposed it but when it came to a show of hands there was only a few who had the nerve to stand up to the bullies.’’

Leamington Town Council had objected to the
application but Warwick District Council planners had recommended it be passed.

Councillors approved the application but stipulated delivery times for lorries accessing the site must avoid the school run.