March 2018
t: 01454 300 400
info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk
News Battle-hardened residents’ group vows to fight planned shopping centre expansion
N
ews that the Willow Brook Centre is proposing to build two free-standing food and drink units in the north-east corner of its site (see page 7) has been swiftly condemned by members of a local residents’ group whose properties adjoin the northern boundary of the complex. The Dewfalls and Wheatfield Drive Residents Association (DAWDRA) is a group that was originally formed in 2005 to influence the development of Bradley Stoke’s new town centre (now known as the Willow Brook Centre). With the help of local councillors, it successfully fought off initial proposals put forward by Tesco that would have seen the massive main building of the shopping centre stand within metres of the rear gardens of properties in Dewfalls Drive and Wheatfield Drive. The latest proposals are also likely to rekindle arguments about how vehicles enter and leave the shopping centre. When the plans for the original development were submitted, the town council argued in favour of direct access from Bradley Stoke Way, but was overruled by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), with the result that those arriving along Bradley Stoke Way have to take a much more indirect route along minor roads to reach the car park.
Commenting on the latest plans put forward by the Willow Brook Centre, a DAWDRA spokesperson said: “As local residents, we are becoming increasingly concerned about the traffic congestion in and around the Willow Brook Centre. The traffic is regularly backed up from Savages Wood Road in both directions to Bradley Stoke Way and Brook Way. Having further development of fast food drivethrough units will encourage more motor traffic into this area, bringing with it further pollution and congestion which will have a detrimental environmental impact to the residents of Bradley Stoke.” “There are already a number of fast food units within the Willow Brook Centre and the litter from these food outlets is already contaminating the immediate environment and adjacent nature reserve. Further units will only add to this problem.” “Whilst it is understandable that some Bradley Stoke residents may support fast food outlets at the Willow Brook Centre, DAWDRA’s primary concerns are: (a) the proposed location; (b) to highlight to others, including SGC, the need for careful consideration when submitting planning proposals; and (c) for residents’ interests to be taken into account.”
To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
9