Sir, – I am appalled that Richmondshire District Council has approved the proposal for a 90-unit upmarket retail development at Scotch Corner. The last thing this nation needs is more retail outlets.
Millions of square feet of retail space have been built in the last 50 years or so and, with the growing impact of internet shopping, less is needed, not more.
Bringing the argument to a local level, anyone seeking a large out-of-town shopping experience can be in the Metro Centre in half an hour from Scotch Corner and, if the development takes off, the impact on other shopping centres in the area will be considerable.
Having said that, I do not see where 90 up-market retail tenants are going to come from and I predict that, if the development takes place, it will be a commercial disaster.
How about a radical approach? What the area needs is jobs and houses.
How about creating a model village on this site with housing , workplaces, a pub, a convenience store and community facilities?
I suggest that that would make a real contribution to the well being of the area still and create income for Richmondshire District Council.
GERALD HODGSON
Spennithorne, Leyburn.
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