SIR – The recent news that a developer might be interested in contributing towards the funding of new and improved sporting facilities at Perdiswell in return for the siting of a supermarket there, poses serious challenges to the way the city views planning matters.
However tempting it might be to ‘secure’ funding through this mechanism, planning – especially of these very precious open spaces – must be a controlled and democratic process.
A new football ground, a new swimming pool and a new supermarket may all be very laudable, but only in the right location and there must be serious doubts as to the wisdom of pursuing a retail outlet in an area designated for leisure and recreation.
The answer must be for the city to produce a credible Local Plan for the Perdiswell site and then offer this to the various stakeholders, interested parties and, above all, the public so that the range of possibilities for Perdiswell can be laid down.
If that should include retail outlets then by all means proceed with a bid – but if not then stop grabbing every passing idea and source of funds regardless of the temptation or consequences.
Dr Malcolm Nixon
Worcester
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