A SALISBURY city councillor is urging residents to voice their concerns over plans for a new Tesco convenience store ahead of a key planning meeting this week.

Tesco is seeking permission to demolish garages in the car park of The Greyfisher Pub on New Bridge Road and replace them with a new retail unit.

The proposals, submitted in July, include changes to site access, car parking and associated works such as a garden pergola and festoon lighting.

Wiltshire Council’s southern area planning committee will consider the application on Thursday (December 11) at City Hall.

Cllr Annie Riddle

The scheme has already attracted dozens of objections, with Cllr Riddle describing it as “controversial”.

She has raised particular concern about the future of the One Stop on Netherhampton Road, saying its post office is a vital and well-used amenity for Harnham residents.

“To this end I would propose a retail impact assessment for the One Stop, as well as one for the local Nisa,” she said.

Other objectors have echoed worries about the impact on existing shops, arguing a new Tesco would add little benefit to the area.

Lifelong resident Ben Hackett said: “I just can’t see how Salisbury would really benefit from this new shop. It’s not easy for pedestrians to access, and there are already plenty of other shops that are more convenient and better suited to the residents of Harnham.”

Nirmal Gurung added: “I feel this planning project is absolutely unnecessary and will have a detrimental impact on the local area. There are already sufficient and multiple retail shops very close to this site.”

Some residents also raised traffic and safety concerns. Lucy Waddington highlighted highway issues and questioned the need for another Tesco, while Stuart Fyfe summed up his view with: “Bad idea.”

Salisbury City Council formally objected to the plans in October, citing the absence of a comprehensive retail assessment, potential highway impacts and what it described as overdevelopment of the site.

The meeting is open to the public, and anyone wishing to speak should email lisa.alexander@wiltshire.gov.uk

According to the Wiltshire Council planning portal, a final decision on the application is due by December 16.