FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about BOGOFS

Q: I heard the Council voted NO to Sainsbury’s the other day - does that mean that’s it?
A: No - the applicant can still take the Council’s decision to appeal. This would not happen until next year - but do not let your guard down as it could happen at any time.

Q: But how can they appeal when they’ve been told NO?
A: It does seem crazy, but under UK planning law the applicant does have the opportunity to appeal against the decision (and this will mean the application being re-examined by an Independent Planning Inspector).

Q: What can I do now then?
A: There’s lots you can still do.
Even in what is now a quiet time of the campaign, please still keep your posters in your windows.

If you’ve taken yours down you can download our poster & continue in Saying ‘NO!’ to ANOTHER supermarket on Gloucester Road.

You can keep and eye on the Council’s website
We will endeavour to keep you up to date with info, but please do look at the Council’s website as and when you can. For further information please go to www.bristol-city.gov.uk/planning

And be ready to write your letter again
If the applicant does take their refusal to appeal, we may need to write to the Council again airing our concerns. We will keep you up to date on these matters.

Q: Can the site be changed into anything else?
A: It’s important to note that the site on which Sainsbury’s/Storegap’s want to build, is a space employing 49 people in skilled light industrial jobs. The site must continue to support small business/ start ups if it were to be developed.

BOGOFS believe there’s great value in including protection of small workshops and businesses in any redevelopment & this could well lead to a ‘Paintworks’ [in Totterdown] style site, thus incorporating low rent workshops for start ups, a community space for use (yoga classes/art classes/cooking classes), bar/café open day and night, small car parking space for a farmers’ market and some residential space.

Q: Where and when do BOGOFS meet - I want to get involved?
A: We usually hold weekly Wednesday night meetings in local venues. Please email us at: info@bogofs.org if you’d like to join in with the local campaign.

Q: Where is the proposed site for the supermarket - I can’t think where one would fit!
A: The site’s on the corner of Gloucester Road and Ashley Down Road - the earmarked site’s currently a functioning small-scale business/industrial space. The proposed 20,000 sq ft supermarket is at least x3 bigger than the existing Somerfield that sits right next to the proposed development site!

Q: Which supermarket wants to build on Gloucester Road?
A: Sainsbury’s

Q: Who are Storegap?
A: Storegap are developers attempting to secure the site and gain planning permission on behalf of their client. Storegap are using a firm JBP to communicate to the public their intentions.

Q: Who are JBP?
A: JBP are the Public Relations firm relating the proposed development to Bristol residents on behalf of Storegap.

Q: Why is the applicant (Storegap) hiring a PR firm?
A: We don’t know, but ask: if this development didn’t create a threat to our local businesses/economy and environment, why go to the expense of hiring a PR firm?

Q: I want to write to complain to Storegap and JBP - who/how can I do this?
A: Storegap are not contactable by phone, only post. Please check their website if you wish to contact them. JBP are based in Clifton - you can phone them and ask about the proposal - alas your call is unlikely to get past their efficient call handler. A letter may or may not be replied to.

Q: So what can I do to oppose yet another supermarket?
A: For now you can download our poster & display it in your window. Keep an eye on this website for what you can do next.

Q: Where can I find out more about the planning application and Bristol City Council?
A: You can go to www.ukplanning.com or ring/email Daniel Stone at Bristol City Council on: (0117) 922 3434
or email him at: daniel_stone@bristol.gov.uk

Q: What does the name BOGOFS mean?
A: Bishopston Opposing Glut OF Supermarkets

Q: What/who is BOGOFS?
A: A locally focused campaign group run by local residents/volunteers. We have set up the campaign to say ‘No!’ to the proposal of yet another supermarket owned outlet on Gloucester Road. BOGOFS aim to protect the independent shops & identity Gloucester Road’s so loved for!

Q: Are BOGOFS politically aligned?
A: No - we are apolitical and we are run by volunteers from all walks of life. Anyone’s welcome to join the campaign. If you would like to join in the campaign please email us at: info@bogofs.org with your contact details.

Q: Is this a general anti-supermarket/anti capitalism/smash big business type of campaign?
A: No. BOGOFS are campaigning against one supermarket - Sainsbury’s wishing to build an unnecessary supermarket on Gloucester Road