Wokingham borough council has rejected plans submitted by Tesco Express to install plant equipment and associated fencing work at its store in Loddon Vale Centre in Woodley.
The application sought to “ .. support the operational efficiency of the store while maintaining an appropriate design response to the surrounding built environment.”
Documents submitted as part of the application noted the site comprises a Tesco Express convenience store situated within a local centre environment, primarily surrounded by mixed-use commercial and residential properties.
The site includes a service yard located to the rear of the premises, which provides space for plant and servicing equipment.
The existing store forms part of a small retail parade and benefits from rear servicing arrangements.
The application for the proposed installation of two remote gas cooler units and three floor-mounted air-conditioning units with protective railings, plus the erection of a 2.4m high timber fence enclosure and access gate with associated barriers.
Officers rejected the plans on September 19, noting that: “By virtue of its inappropriate location close to entrance doors of the premises, and its excessive height and built form, the proposals would visually enclose these exits thereby increasing public safety concerns.”
