Advertising - Not In Good Faith?

The above picture is assumed to be an artist's impression of what the site will look like when competed.

The following text is taken from Waterstone's (Developers) website. We draw your attention to the text we have made bold. We ask the question: 'Are Waterstones pressing the local planning authority for a possible change of use - and will the authority give way to them?'

"The scheme will provide a terraced block of 5 retail units anchored by a Tesco Express. Parking is available by way of 46 spaces (inc. 3 disabled bays). Servicing is provided via a dedicated service yard to the rear.

The property affords the following approximate dimensions and areas:

The accommodation is being provided to shell specification with capped services and hoarded shop fronts ready for tenants fit out.

Existing planning permission for open A1 retail. We are advised by the local planning authority that both A2 and A3 would also be considered acceptable subject to formal planning."

Should the local planning authority stick to the original terms of use, considering that the current shops were leased on that condition?

Cllr. Tony Wyn-Jones (left) is quoted as saying: 'The change of use to A3 will happen over my dead body.' We wonder if money will talk, bearing in mind that each empty shop is worth £15,000 per year in rental.

It should be added that Cllr. Wyn-Jones is looking at the possibility of Waterstones providing a short cut path to the shops - if the Community Council will allow it.

NOTE Well over 1,000 residents have signed a petition to the effect that they do not want a smelly foreign take away included in the block of shops.