The CDAC des Landes opposes the establishment of the Picard and JMT brands in Aire-sur-l'Adour

The project to create a commercial complex bringing together the brands Picard (253.10 m²) and JMT (485.40 m²) in the commune of Aire-sur-l'Adour was rejected by the Departmental Commercial Development Commission (CDAC) of Landes during its meeting on Friday November 15, 2024.

A controversial project

Presented by SCI DRACAU, represented by Olivier Mazard, the file aimed to establish these two businesses in a developing urban area. However, despite technical opinions from the Departmental Directorate of Territories and the Sea (November 7, 2024), as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (November 6, 2024), the project did not convince the members of the CDAC.

Shortcomings noted

After examination, several points were raised to justify the unfavorable opinion:

Insufficient revitalization of the city center : although the initiative is part of the challenges of strengthening the economic centralities of the territory, the project does not demonstrate its direct contribution to the revitalization of the heart of Aire-sur-l'Adour, a municipality included in the program Small Cities of Tomorrow.

Quality of facilities : the project does not go beyond a classic and trivialized urbanization, which limits its attractiveness and its integration into the local landscape.

Insufficiency in terms of eco-responsibility : the file does not comply with certain legal requirements APER et Climate and Resilience. For example, there is a lack of renewable energy devices on the shade houses, as well as adequate management of rainwater on 50% of the surface area, in accordance with environmental standards.

An unfavorable opinion, despite favorable votes

The CDAC voted with a contrasting result:

• 4 votes in favor : that of Claude Pomies, deputy mayor of Aire-sur-l'Adour, André Lanusse-Cazale, mayor of Garlin, representing the catchment area, Grégory Rende, vice-president of the Grand Dax agglomeration representing the intermunicipalities at the departmental level and Alain Bache, Nouvelle Aquitaine regional advisor.
• 1 unfavorable vote : Michel Laborde, representing the UDAF, expressed reservations related to consumer protection.
• 5 abstentions : Jean-Michel Lalanne, vice-president of the community of communes of Aire sur l'Adour in charge of the EPCI; Marie-Laurence Castaing, deputy mayor of Barcelona du Gers (32), municipality included in the catchment area; Guy Marhein, UFC QUE CHOISIR, qualified person in matters of consumption and consumer protection; Jacques Duhart, qualified person in sustainable development and regional planning and Georges Cingal, qualified person in sustainable development and regional planning.

A landmark decision for the local commercial future

This refusal illustrates the increased demand from local authorities for environmentally friendly projects, in line with the needs of residents and in support of city centers. SCI DRACAU will have to review its file if it wishes to relaunch this project in the Landes.