Tesco agents sign up options

THE agents working on behalf of Tesco's proposed redevelopment in Uckfield have begun buying up 'option' rights to land in the town.

London-based property developers St James Investments (SJI) have entered into discussions with private landowners around Uckfield in order to secure contracts which would effectively promise land to Tesco in the event of any planning application taking place.

And at least one such contract has already been agreed, it has been revealed.

SJI developer Christopher Borkowski spoke to the Sussex Express this week. He confirmed that option negotiations had commenced, but said he was not in a position to discuss details such as which landowners were involved, how long the options would last or how much landowners would receive for the options. However, he pointed out that no council-owned land was involved in these discussions and insisted that the purchasing of options was a standard procedure in the world of development.

He said: 'In addition to the council land at the centre of the proposal, to enable other things to happen such as improvements in roads and putting a new public open space in the centre of town, we need to find appropriate locations among private ownerships. We think it's the right thing to do.'

He added: 'Yes, there are a number of private ownerships that we have approached or agreed with contractually. There are several ownerships involved.

'It is the sensible thing to do. If the will of the people is to move forward, we have to have the ability to develop the ideas we have presented to the public.

'This is a very big project for all parties concerned and it's very important for Uckfield that we do things right for the town. We're going through consultation and debate this week we're meeting with the chamber of commerce.

'We are very keen to make sure that all three councils involved are working together and have a common understanding. They all have very important parts to play and we are working with them to make sure that their aspirations are being met together.'

He said SJI had had a number of informal meetings with Wealden to discuss ideas, as well as making formal representations to the council during the ongoing review of the local plan.

Wealden leader Rupert Thornely Taylor said: 'I have heard nothing at all about this, but I wouldn't be surprised. It does tend to happen.

'The over-riding thing is that anything which would be a departure from the local plan would result in a public inquiry even if there was a will to approve it.

'I don't think people need worry. This doesn't make land any more likely to be developed or approved. And the developers will lose their money if nothing happens.'

l A public vote could be held on the proposed Tesco development in Uckfield, according to Mr Borkowski.

He said: 'We would welcome a referendum if that was the view of the town. The future of our proposal must be in the hands of the people of the town.'