A busy footpath and cycleway in Petersfield is once again under threat from a Tesco planning application.

The supermarket operator has submitted new plans for a Timpson pod, after the previous application was withdrawn in 2023 following strong opposition from the public.

A Timpson pod is a small retail kiosk that provides dry cleaning, shoe repairs, phone and watch repairs, key cutting, engraving and photo ID services.

Like the previous application, the pod would be located on the path that runs round the back of Tesco and links The Petersfield School (TPS), Petersfield Infant School and the meadow.

Consultation for the current plans is open and comments must be submitted by email or in writing with the reference SDNP/24/05317/FUL by Monday, March 17.

More details can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/Tesco-2025-Timpson-plans.

In its comments, Hampshire Highways highlighted the previous application and how its position then was refusal and that is their position now.

The authority said: “This pedestrian/cycle link is well established and surveys (17/18 May 2023) taken to the east of the school gate within the extent of the Tesco boundary, have confirmed the popularity of this route.

“Peak flows of pedestrians occur during school arrival and departure times, and that space is shared with cyclists, but numbers of cyclists are noticeably lower during those busiest times.

“The Highway Authority considers that this established route is a key strategic off-road walking and cycling route in Petersfield and is identified within the East Hampshire Local Cycle and Walking Infrastructure Plan.”

In addition to Highways, the case officer for the application has also flagged similar concerns and is anticipating ones that were raised in the previous proposals.

The pod would be located on the corner of Tesco, near the disabled parking bays.

The parking provision report reads: “The proposed location is outside the current parking layout, preserving the convenience and accessibility of all existing parking bays for customers and staff.

“Adequate pedestrian access will be maintained to and from the pod and the store, ensuring the safety and flow of movement around the site.”

Alongside the safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists, there is also the threat to local businesses.

Nearly 1,000 people signed a petition against the Timpson pod in 2023, due to the implications it would have for The Petersfield Cobbler in Chapel Street.