Local MP campaigns against proposed supermarket
Chuka Umunna MP is joining constituents in Clapham to voice concerns about a planned supermarket development in Clapham South.
Sainsbury’s is planning to open a minimart with an alcohol license at the site on Abbeville Road, which is a mixed residential and shopping parade known as ‘Abbeville Village’.
There is a large Tesco store, a Sainsbury’s Local and a Marks and Spencer supermarket located nearby at Clapham South station, as well as a Sainsbury’s superstore only minutes away on Clapham Park Road. On Clapham High Road are located another Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local.
Local residents and shopkeepers fear that the new store could harm local businesses and alter the character of the popular shopping parade. A petition against the planned development has already collected more than 1,000 signatures.
A public meeting is being planned, due to be Chaired by Mr Umunna and held at Church of the Holy Spirit on Narbonne Avenue, close to the planned store.
Mr Umunna is raising the issue with both Sainsbury’s and Lambeth Council to make sure local people’s concerns are heard and will be meeting with Sainsbury’s representatives shortly.
Commenting, Mr Umunna said:
“Abbeville Road is not an appropriate location for a supermarket and I am fully behind the campaign to stop this development.
“There are already many supermarkets nearby, so this development would not offer anything new to the area and the local community. In the current economic climate, it is crucial that we support our small businesses.”
