Quote Inflatable_Armadillo="Inflatable_Armadillo"Ok, this news is out in the open now, I haven't seen the statement!
To be fair to Opus, I understand that this information has come out of work they have been doing on the development recently and when the topographical information came back it was worked out that the 100 year flood level is above the current level by 2m or so! This is not something they would have known without starting to do some work on the project, as it is not on a flood plain as such. This probably means that if they do build a store here, it will end up on stilts. This means more parking (as they won't waste the space), but much more development cost which Opus might have to pass on to Tesco to make things stack up.'"
Nor have I seen such a statement from Opus.
You know as well as I do that anyone proposing such a development would be aware of this from stage one - it's common knowledge. The 1 in 100 year flood level is without any defences in place. There are such defences in place because of the Chemical site. But lets assume you are correct and Tesco/Morrison/Sainsbury or whoever have to raise the building above a car park, that would increase the parking (good thing)without a lot of extra expense.
The alternative site for a Supermarket in the town has been approved for nearly 5 years without takers. The floor area is approx 25% less than Wheldon Road and involves the construction of a 5 and 7 storey building including car parking, approx 80 residential units and other retail units.
I know if I was Tesco or whoever, and wanted to locate to Cas for least cost in the next 12/18 months, which site I would be pushing for.
With regard to the Clan's post of the article in the press from a local shopping manager - let's just say he (the manager) is only "following orders" from his superiors.
