Another no for Ikea in Mougins

It was back in 2006 that rumours spread that an Ikea store was being planned for the Saint-Martin district on the edge of Mougins, a proposal fiercely opposed by neighbouring Mouans-Sartoux led by Mayor André Aschieri. Protesters came out in force worried about the impact it would have on local shops and traffic congestion, although much-needed improvements to the road network around Mougins were part of the plan.

In October 2007 the Paris-based department-focused CDEC (Commission départementale d’équipement commercial) rejected the proposal which at that time was for a 20,000sqm complex. Its decision was later overturned by the Conseil d’Etat (advises the government on legal matters). Mougins Mayor Richard Galy was clearly behind the project arguing that it would create up to 500 jobs and give a boost to local business.

On Wednesday this week both mayors were again in Paris as the loftier nation-focused CNAC (Commission nationale d’aménagement commercial) considered the proposals. This time the plans on the drawing board were for a 32,000sqm complex and Richard Galy was still in favour, but quoted as saying that he would only give planning permission for 26,000sqm. André Aschieri was fighting on environmental grounds – traffic congestion and the impact on the water table. It seems his arguments were the most persuasive. CL