Tesco’s cash machine appeal for Horsham store rejected by inspector

While Horsham District Council approved applications for signage, a canopy, air conditioning units, minor external alterations, and widening of access for the Brighton Road site in the summer of 2013, it rejected a sixth for an external ATM.

Since the building was home to the Silver Wok restaurant before it moved to Queen Street the supermarket giant did not have to apply for a change of use to open a Tesco Express store there.

In his report inspector John Papworth concluded: “Whilst use during the opening hours of the shop is unlikely to so add to the vehicular parking and traffic on the site and nearby, as to cause harm, there is a risk, due to the location and visibility of the ATM, that overnight use could adversely affect the living conditions of neighbouring residents at a time when a lack of noise and disturbance might reasonably be expected.

“The information supplied does not allow that risk to be discounted in this decision to a level that would allow the proposal to be permitted. For the reasons given above it is concluded that the appeal should be dismissed.”

The decision was welcomed by Mike Dancy who lives in St Leonards Road and campaigned against the opening of the store.

He said: “Hooray for common sense. I have to say that I am delighted that the planning inspectorate have dismissed Tesco’s appeal against the HDC decision not to allow an external cash machine at their new convenience store in Brighton Road.

“Many local residents and the Forest Neighbourhood Council were opposed to the ATM which would certainly add to the misery of neighbours 24/7.”

Horsham district councillor Godfrey Newman (LDem, Forest) added: “I think it’s good news for the local people because that’s the conclusion the inspector made.

“I’m sure residents will be pleased some element of the application has been turned down.”