Fury over supermaket plan that 'would be the death' of UK village with 'world's best view'

Plans to build a new supermarket at the entrance to a quaint seaside village - that reputedly has one of the world's best views - have been angrily rejected by furious residents.  

Locals in St Agnes, one of the largest coastal villages in Cornwall, believe the new Co-op store will kill off trade, ruin independent businesses and destroy the community's character.   Westcountry Land and Homes has submitted a planning application to build the shop with access and parking on Penwinnick Road, St Agnes.

If approved it would sit next to a new housing development of 39 properties which is being built by the same applicant. The  Co-op  element was removed from the initial housing scheme in 2020 following negative feedback from residents.

But now it's back on the table - and a lot of St Agnes folk aren't happy.

Currently, there are over 70 comments about the proposal on Cornwall Council's online planning register - with just four in favour, reports Cornwall Live. If approved, the store would feature a front-of-house sales area measuring 2,495 sq ft and back-of-house storage and delivery space of 1,235 sq ft, with 15 car parking spaces for shoppers and bicycle storage.

As well as the possible effect on existing village businesses, other concerns include its location on what has been described as a "dangerous bend", the visual impact on the area, traffic congestion, noise and air pollution, and fears additional street lighting and illuminated Co-op signs would threaten St Agnes' dark skies status.

However, those who have taken the time to write in favour of the application say it would provide healthy competition for the village's Spar and Costcutter shops, would ease congestion caused by people parking outside those stores in the centre of St Agnes, and would bring jobs to the area.

Gillian Treleaven is part-owner of a shop in St Agnes and feels that if the Co-op is allowed it "could be the beginning of a change of character in our village". She said: "All the small shops and businesses rely on each other and if a few have to close through lack of customers, the rest will also fail. There are very few villages in Cornwall like St Agnes, still vibrant and busy, and not dependent on multi-national stores. Tourists seem to appreciate our village and revisit annually. I wonder if they would if it was full of rundown or empty shops?"

Gary Hall also owns a business on St Agnes' main street. He said: "There is no need for another food/convenience store as there are two that already exist in the high street which already cater for the needs that this would provide. We also have wonderful independent fruit and veg, butchers, bakers that could all be put under threat by this proposal and should this be allowed I fear it will pull people and shoppers away from our high street."

Michael Bunt, a resident, agreed: "St Agnes has a wide range of high street shops, many more than most villages and towns in the country. If the Co-op was built, this balance would be totally destroyed and I believe most of the existing retail outlets would fail."

Colin Templeton said: "It would likely compromise the trading of local businesses such as the independent bakeries, butchers, greengrocers, newsagent, chemist and already established grocery stores, one of which houses the post office. This loss of revenue would worsen during the busier holiday periods and would increase the risk of retail closures which in turn sounds the death knell of the village as we know it. Cornwall Council should be protecting the fabric of our villages and supporting independent traders."

Niki Lillie is one of many St Agnes residents who have pointed out on the planning portal that the Co-op was removed from a previous application because of the strength of feeling in the village.

She said after a public meeting in 2020, the applicant produced a document with pie charts to illustrate the preferences of the public. "In the concluding pages, a list of the main points was presented. Notably, the first point on the list was: 'Complete opposition to a new retail unit as it was felt this will negatively impact the existing businesses.'

"Subsequently, the retail outlet was removed from the application and this was presented as the applicant listening to public opinion and responding accordingly. However, this new application has been made by the same applicant, totally disregarding the feedback they obtained in 2020. This proposed development is not welcomed by the majority of the residents of St Agnes."

Tracy H is one of the few who has welcomed the proposal.  She said: "I strongly support the application for a Co-op in the village. Local stores are lacking in stock. Every time I go to either the Spar shop or Costcutter, they don't have what I need, always very low in stock, they are expensive too."

"A  Co-op for the expanding village can only be a good thing, it brings more job opportunities to the people moving in to the new houses too. Those objecting, I can bet that they don't primarily shop in the village and use bigger supermarkets away from the village anyway."

And Mrs L Gapp added: "I support a new convenience store on the outskirts of the village. Congestion within the village is a nightmare - this would lessen the amount of cars parked on double yellows to run into shops, cars idling whilst waiting ten-plus minutes causing pollution."

A spokesperson for Co-op told The Express: "A new co-operative would serve and support St Agnes and contribute to local community life, with a history dating back 180 years, a new Co-op store would be committed to offering great quality and value, conveniently.  We know a new convenience store will create local jobs and help to retain spending in the community, which can also benefit other retailers.

"A new store will also reduce short car journeys for those shopping out of town, while making life easier for those with limited mobility. The planning process is the most democratic of ways for anyone with an interest to express their views.”