Following the decision to allow Sainsbury’s supermarket to expand their site across Petticoat Lane, Newport, the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner has expressed concern about the way in which the development is being conducted.
 
Mr Turner said:

“I understand that permission was granted for a number of trees to be cut down to make way for the development.  However, I have recently been told that eleven other trees were also cut down and that these trees were the subject of a Tree Preservation Order.  If this is indeed the case then it is a serious breach of the planning rules.  Yes, accidents happen, but they must be properly acknowledged and redress sought.  Big corporations, like Sainsbury’s, must not be allowed to feel that there will be no consequences for ‘convenient mistakes’ like this one.”

Mr Turner said he would be writing to Sainsbury’s to ask how the mistake had been made and steps they will be taking to rectify the situation.  He has also written to the Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Council asking him what action they will be taking.

Mr Turner said he had been sorry to hear of the decision not to save the end of Petticoat Lane, one of Newport’s oldest public footpaths.  Local residents campaigned to stop development across the lane by supermarket giant, Sainsbury’s.  However, at the recent public inquiry, the residents lost their battle and the footpath will now be redirected alongside Foxes Road.

Petticoat Lane, which lies to the north-west of Newport town centre, has been used by local walkers since 1793.  Residents also said goodbye to four mature Chestnut trees and other hedgerows, which line the path.

Mr Turner added:

“Green spaces and mature trees are important to all of us who live in Newport and other Island towns.  This is especially true for people who, for one reason or another, can’t easily visit the countryside.  It is easy to destroy historic and natural features in our towns, but once done, it is almost impossible to get them back.”