Grass roof swapped for cheap plastic in controversial supermarket plans (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Grass roof swapped for cheap plastic in controversial supermarket plans

11:10am Wednesday 20th June 2012 in News By Laura Shack

BACKPEDALLING developers of a supermarket in Lechlade have outraged councillors and residents with plans to replace an eco-friendly grass roof for a plastic grey one.

The controversial application by the Co-operative Limited for a supermarket and petrol station on Burford Road was opposed by more than 100 residents of the town when it was approved in 2010.

A favourable aspect of the plans was a grass roof design to improve the overall appearance and environmental impact of the new development.

But now developers claim the de-contamination process of the former filling station site costs more than anticipated and want the unique grass roofing swapped for a cheaper grey plastic roof.

At last week’s Lechlade town council meeting, Cllr Steve Trotter said he was completely against the application to change the design.

"The developers were aware of the contamination and were willing to make the purchase of the site for development and profit," he said. "This was the risk they took and can’t be used as a reason for changing design."

Councillors voted to object to the change on the grounds of poor design quality and character.

The application will be discussed by CDC's planning committee later this year.