No vote won't stop Sainsbury's
6:26am Saturday 23rd June 2007 in Latest News By Natalie Fahy
Zac Goldsmith helped fund the referendum
Sainsbury's is to push ahead with plans to build a supermarket in Barnes despite an overwhelming vote against it by residents.
More than 4,000 people voted against the store's plans in a groundbreaking referendum organised by the Electoral Reform Society.
The poll, held in a bid to push the proposed supermarket out of White Hart Lane, was the brainchild of Tory parliamentary candidate and and multi-millionaire Zac Goldsmith, who donated £1,000 to the campaign.
It is believed to be the first time an independent postal referendum has been used to fight a proposed supermarket.
But it has no legal standing and the supermarket giant, which says it has support locally, already has planning permission for the site.
A spokesman for the store said: "The development at White Hart Lane was subject to a very rigorous planning process which included a public inquiry.
"We have been encouraged by the many messages of support we've had, particularly from those residents who do not have cars."
Sainsbury's spokesman
"We have been encouraged by the many messages of support we've had, particularly from those residents who do not have cars and who have no alternative store within walking distance at which to do their grocery shopping."
David Rossiter, the man behind the White Hart Action Group (WHAG), told gathered crowds this morning that just over 85 per cent of the total votes cast were against the store.
Those in favour numbered just 687 and total turnout was just over 61 per cent.
Mr Rossiter said: "Two weeks ago, after saying they would not take part in the referendum, Sainsbury's wrote to everyone in the area describing protestors as a vocal minority.
"The result makes it quite clear we are the majority.
"I put this question to Justin King (Sainsbury's chief executive): How long will you try to ignore the opposition of the local residents before you rethink the plans?"
He added more discussions would now take place with Sainsbury's to discuss alternative uses for the site.
Zac Goldsmith said: "This is an outstanding result by any standard.
"If it had been any better it would have been a bit suspect, like a Zimbabwean election.
"I do think Sainsbury's will yield to this.
"I hope we can work with Sainsbury's and not against them."
The referendum is part of a long-fought campaign by WHAG against the proposed Sainsbury's store. The group has also produced organic fairtrade jute bags emblazoned with its logo and got a number of high-profile celebrities - including Barnes resident Sir Tim Rice and actor Richard E Grant - on board.
