Bybrook Barn's Response to Planning

Following the decision to allow Tescos Planning permission to build a Dobbies Garden Centre, there has been much public and private debate.

The MD of Bybrook Garden Centre, Terry Burch, contacted me with the letter that the newspapers refused to print:

Bybrook Barn Garden Centre’s response to Tesco/Dobbies Planning Approval

By Mr T.B.Burch Owner and MD

I was not completely surprised at the council’s decision on May 26th to vote in favour of Tesco/Dobbies it was never going to be a level playing field. Ashford Borough Council planning officers were determined to push in favour of Tescos/Dobbies.

But by how far?

For years they have been in discussion regarding this site yet we were never informed of the proposal or given the chance to comment although we were the principle people to be affected.

We were not even given the normal courtesy of notification that a planning application had been received. Even when the plans had been approved by Ashford Planners we were never notified and were only made aware of it in a Council magazine as an already agreed project, with the site already mapped out, as a done deal, before a planning meeting had even taken place. To add insult to injury we did not even warrant being officially notified as we were informed as being outside the normal notification area. Something here certainly didn’t seem right.

At the first planning meeting on 31st March, Councillors on the planning committee voted to refuse the Planning Application, and a measure of confidence returned. However it would appear the planners had other views and waved this decision to give councillors the opportunity to change their minds, how convenient. We all were under the elusion that a refusal meant a refusal. Minutes from this meeting are almost non-existent.

Two months later at the second planning meeting on 26th May 2010 the situation had radically changed. The entire local councillors on the planning committee, now unanimously approved Tesco/Dobbies application. Not one had the courage of their previous conviction. Not one councillor, stuck to their original decision with the exception of councillor Claughton, a ward member, and therefore, not eligible to vote, He could not understand why every councillor had changed their original decision, even though no additional information had been provided, stating he wanted no part of it.

Was I disappointed, yes, but this was always a possibility, In a conflict with a tank and a mini, don’t be surprised at the outcome, but disappointed because the local planning councillors, who I had expected would have given us just a little support and backing did a complete U turn and melted away like snow in the desert. Not one was prepared to uphold their previous conviction and stand their ground, using feeble reasons for their reversal and putting a local business in jeopardy.

Many of the reasons Ashford planners had used in the past to refuse us planning applications, no longer seemed to apply.

Planner’s could have redirected Tesco/Dobbies elsewhere in Ashford and kept the site for its original planned use as Leisure, not retail. Tesco/Dobbies will be the only retailer on the site.

This reveals a surprising lack of support to long-standing local businesses, or public opinion, which they felt warranted little or no consideration. How easy it is to hide behind, and fit planning regulations to suit the occasion.

ABC Planner’s lack of being forthright and upfront over these negotiations adequately prove the point.

During the second meeting a pink paper was circulated to all those on the planning committee. Members were told that if they wished to discuss anything in this paper, the public and press would have to leave the chamber in order for this discussion to take place.

I have since been reliably informed that the pink paper from the planners, warned the councillors that if they voted for a refusal, to this application the council could be liable for costs of up to £100,000 should Tesco/Dobbies appeal. Why I wonder?

It would appear that money determines what is passed, or not

In view of the above, the planning committee’s position becomes understandable they were virtually told how to vote.

Is this what our democracy has come to? Don’t vote according to your views as it might cost the council money, this is surely not what the public expect, from councillors they have voted for, to represent their views? We would have accepted losing had it been decided in a fair and democratic manner, and all the issues fairly debated, but this has a very unhealthy odour about it. How many other planning decisions have been conducted in this manner.

These matters surely warrant a more explicit explanation.

We are not adverse to competition, fair competition.

But if one thinks a ten million (£10,000,000) development on our doorstep will have no effect on us, you’re not living in the real world, just take a good look at the strangling effect the same organisation has on the high Streets. An organisation retailing the same products as the Garden Centre, on our doorstep, will be a massive blow, especially when you consider the power and size of the parent company. (Read the book Tescopoly by Andrew Simms) and you may agree with us.

Tesco the parent Company takes £1 for every £8 spent by the British shopper and its share is rising, and we take seriously the comment by the companies chief executive, that he’s not joking, when he says, that still leaves the other seven to go for. They are Britain’s biggest retailer, not just the country’s biggest supermarket, but it’s biggest for everything that’s non food as well.

Having dominated almost every town’s high street in the country, Tesco/Dobbies are now eyeing Garden Centres, with 25 already and seeking a further 100.

You independent friends in the garden centre business need to watch out. Tesco/Dobbies are coming, but if your local council is anything like ours don’t rely on it for support.

It seems preference is given to a multi national retailer, so close to an existing 35 year old loyal Ashford business jeopardising it’s existence with little or no consideration. A Multi-national who have no real commitment to Ashford.

As seems inevitable, when all the small independent businesses disappear the powers that be might, just might, regret being led up the garden path.



Readers can make up their own minds what constitutes fair. Maybe fair in planning terms no longer exists or counts for much.

I finish by saying how extremely proud I am of my staff for their help and loyal support, and know they will face this next challenge with vigour and determination.

I also thank all of our customer friends for their continuing support

There are too many to thank individually but please take this as my personal Thank you!



Terry Burch

Managing Director

Bybrook Barn Garden Centre