Shepway Council’s Development Control Committee has passed a controversial application to build a Sainsbury’s supermarket on the old Smiths Industries site in Hythe.
After almost 2 hours of heated and sometimes unruly debate, the committee voted to accept the application.
A vocal public gallery gave support to those who spoke against the issue and repeatedly heckled those speaking in support.
Dr Wendy Le-Las, chartered planner and researcher, spoke strongly against the application, saying the committee were “spoilt for choice on grounds for refusal” and that the building would not conserve or enhance the area.
Sezen Zeki, from the Channel Chamber of Commerce then spoke for the application, stating the Chamber’s belief that the store would increase trade for existing high street traders as shoppers would make ‘link trips’ from the store to the high street.
Cllr Lyons spoke at length, often to applause from the public gallery. Attacking the proposal on grounds of increased traffic, the size of the carbon footprint and the quality of the research he said “I’m an economist. Statistics can say many things - we are being conned.”
“Sainsbury’s are not interested in Hythe at all. Sainsbury’s left in 1969, against the wishes of a petition. Now they want to some back. I wonder why? It is nothing but a disgrace, Sainsbury’s should hang their heads in shame.”
Cllr Lyons stated that people he had spoken to were “aghast” when shown the size of the development. Taking issue with Ms Zeki’s speech, Cllr Lyons remarked “I wonder what planet she comes from?” and the chairman had to intervene on the grounds that the debate was becoming too personal after Cllr Lyons termed Ms Zeki a ‘minion.’
Cllr Russell Tillson also spoke strongly against the application, calling the claim that the potential for shoppers to visit Hythe town centre would increase “an heroic assumption.”
Taking issue with many of Sainsbury’s claims and repeatedly questioning the basis of Sainsbury’s research, Cllr Tillson received a round of applause when he finished.
Other councillors supporting the application, saying competition was no bad things and for offering choice.
Cllr Copping said “as a born and bred free trader, high streets have to look after themselves. Competition is good,” later adding “I’ll go anywhere to make the money in my pocket stretch and I believe lots of people feel like me.”
Cllr Barker called on existing shops to have courage, saying “supermarkets have done their damage. The people who support local shops will not go away.”
Cllr Matthews claimed one survey showed that 80% of people wanted the development and that the 3 hours of free parking was more than enough for shoppers to visit the high street.
Eventually, a motion to approve the application was passed with Cllrs Lyons, Tillson, Clifton-Holt and North voting against. Cllr Tillson asked for his vote to be recorded, a move which requires 5 people to endorse. As none of the councillors voting for the proposal agreed to have their vote counted, this was not passed with a heckle of “you’ve got no balls” clearly heard from the public gallery.
The application has mobilised groups of active and vocal residents into groups to oppose the proposal. Since deferral from the last meeting the proposal has been a constant source of letters and discussion, but perhaps it was telling that there were still a few spare chairs in the public gallery.
After the decision Dr Le-Las said the application and debate were flawed and she “had enough to write a book.” She will write to English Heritage while further action is considered.
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