Itchen MP John Denham joined around 50 protesters outside the closed Castle pub in Midanbury on September 28. The action was called because Tesco has reportedly acquired the lease to the premises and plans to open an Express store on the site. 

 

Around 600 have already signed a petition against Tesco, and Mr Denham says he's giving his full backing to the community campaign. The Daily Echo reported on October 8 that the supermarket giant has acquired the lease to the pub, "and plans to open a new Express store next year". The report also says that Tesco intends to "consult the community before pressing ahead with its plans and claims a new store will boost trade".

It's thought  'change of use' planning permission won't be required.

Tesco already has outlets in the surrounding area, including Cobden Avenue (Bitterne Triangle), West End Road (Bitterne) and Wessex Road (Townhill).  According to Tesco’s own store locator, all of these existing Tesco Express outlets are less than a mile away from the Castle, which closed after many years as a pub in August 2012.

Long list of pub closures

Mr Denham said the closure of the Castle Pub joins a long list of public houses in Southampton which have closed over recent years, with several, including the Bulls Eye on Butts Road, Sholing and the Winning Post, Peartree Avenue being converted into convenience stores.

The MP was alerted to the issue by correspondence from a number of constituents, and also a meeting at which local residents and traders lobbied him about the issue at one of his local surgeries.

'Tesco already has several outlets in the immediate surrounding area'

“The community is saying no to pubs being turned into shops," he said.  "It is particularly concerning when Tesco already has several outlets in the immediate surrounding area.  It would be dreadful if the competition from Tesco were to damage the parade and mean the loss of local businesses, many of who have been there for many years.

“I’m sad every time I see another pub close in Southampton.  The Castle is one of far too many public houses that have closed in the city.  Every time this happens we lose an important hub for the local community.

“The Tory-led government is failing to build on the work I did to get PubCos to take a responsible and sustainable attitude.  In my view it is time this was moved from a voluntary code to a statutory footing.”

The Midanbury parade (left) already includes Co-op and Premier supermarkets, as well as a baker.

According to campaigning alliance Tescopoly, Tesco now controls over 30% of the grocery market in the UK, and in 2012, the supermarket chain announced profits of £3.8bn.

'Little council can do' claim

Ward councillor Peter Baillie told bitternepark.info that it was doubtful a store at the Castle pub premises would need to go to planning before opening: "From a planning law view there is little the council can do. Should people wish to object then the best method would be to not use the shop," he said.

A petition is available to sign at the Premier and other stores at Midanbury.

Article updated October 9 to include further information

Links

Council consults over Townhill Park ideas - bitternepark.info article that includes comment on extending Litchfield Road to Cornwall Road as part ot the regeneration plan

Tesco’s takeover of The Castle pub in Midanbury sparks Southampton trader threat - Daily Echo article 8/10/12

Who wanted this, again? - bitternepark.info article and extensive reader comments about Tesco Express opening on Cobden Avenue in 2007

Tescopoly website - "an alliance of organisations concerned about supermarket power"; charts campaigns by communities around the country opposing the steady march of various supermarkets, and provides information about how to campaign.

Shock as Sainsbury's withdraws Eastleigh planning application - bitternepark.info/Eastleigh News

Tesco Express, Lodge Road, Portswood.