Bohemia Village Voice

At a meeting at St Matthew’s Church Hall on 25th June, objectors to the scheme discussed traffic problems, noise and light pollution, and effect on local businesses. Effective methods of objecting were discussed. The meeting was organised by Stuart and Gaby Hill. Matthew J. Lock, councillor for Silverhill, County Councillor Matthew Lock, lead member for Transport and Environment, and Amber Rudd, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Hastings and Rye attended. Gaby Hill of the Silverhill Forum said, “The traffic issues don’t seem to have been addressed because nothing’s changed. We’re still concerned with the impact on local shops in Silverhill and Bohemia Road. Obviously both areas are going to feel the pinch.” Matthew J. Lock, councillor for Silverhill,  said, “The traffic problems haven’t really been dealt with. This is already one of the busiest junctions in town. There would be a bad effect on emergency services and public transport, and accidents with people crossing, particularly at Silverdale School. People would have to cross over eight lanes of traffic to get from Asda’s car park to the local shops.” There was also a Special General Meeting of the Greater Hollington Partnership on 23rd July,  where Asda representatives gave a presentation.

o In New Barnet, North London, Asda has withdrawn its application to build a new store on the former gasworks following mammoth opposition from residents, and in Coalville, Leics, planning officers have recommended the council reject Asda’s scheme for a store on a former factory site.