Opposition mounts over Ulverston brewery store plan

An artist's impression of how the former Robinsons Brewery site in Ulverston might look

Owners of a former Cumbrian brewery are to press ahead with plans to turn the site into a supermarket, despite opposition from residents and traders.

The proposals for the Robinsons Brewery complex, in Ulverston, involve a supermarket and underground car park, with up to 200 jobs promised.

But opponents claim the plans will hit local traders and could threaten the future of some town centre shops.

Director William Robinson said he wanted the current plans to go forward.

A public meeting on Thursday night heard from a campaign group set up to block the plans.

'Catastrophic effects'

Colin Pickthall, of Keep Ulverston Special, said: "At the moment we estimate we have somewhere between three and four to one against these proposals in Ulverston.

"As many people as possible are putting in objections to South Lakeland Council.

"It is very difficult to combat these large organisations that have lots of money but we have to keep telling people about the catastrophic effects this will have on our community."

The group claims a survey it carried out revealed more than 50% of local shops feared they could be forced to close if the supermarket is allowed.

Mr Pickthall said the site would be better suited to a homes and heritage scheme.

But Mr Robinson said: "At the moment there is a planning application in for supermarket use. If that is turned down by the local authority then we will have to have a look at the site again.

"But we have put the application in and we have to let the planners determine whether it is supported or rejected."