For several years the Mitcham Lane shopping parade in Furzedown has suffered from low shopper footfall and high vacancy rates. Recently Sainsbury’s has made an application to open a new store on the former Gig Sounds site, providing both an opportunity and a threat to the existing community of shop-keepers.
A number of the shops owners, led by Manish Mehta of Williams newsagents on the corner of Thrale Road and Mitcham Lane, have been concerned that Sainsbury’s arrival will reduce their custom. They have organised a petition which has attracted huge amount of local support – over 500 signatures – expressing the community’s concern over the opening of the Sainsbury’s and the threat to existing independent stores.
Furzedown Conservatives have been talking to the Council on the behalf of the shop-keepers, but requests to block the Sainsbury’s planning application aren’t possible under national planning rules. However, an objection has also been made to the alcohol license that Sainsbury’s is seeking as part of its plans.
Tracy Scott, the Conservative Councillor Candidate for Furzedown who delivered the petition on 12th November to the Council, stated: 'We are pleased to be working with local residents to ensure that their voice is heard by the Council. We will await with interest the final decision on Sainsbury's application, but whatever the outcome we are committed to working long-term with local businesses and Wandsworth Council to improve this stretch of the high street'.
Separately, some of the shopowners on Mitcham Lane feel that Sainsbury’s could kick-start the regeneration of the high street, by attracting additional customers who currently shop elsewhere, and are preparing a petition to the Council expressing their support for the new development.
Dan Watkins, Parliamentary Spokesman for Tooting, commented: ‘Mitcham Lane is the only shopping parade in Tooting with high vacancy rates and we feel that practical action needs to be taken to raise its attractiveness to shoppers. We are advising local shop-keepers on ways to prepare for Sainsbury’s arrival, as well as evaluating options to smarten up Mitcham Lane’s appearance and to improve parking and cycling access.