Sainsbury’s applies to build out-of-town new hub store in Shipston
SAINSBURY’S has submitted its plans for a new store in Shipston… and it’s not for a larger supermarket as some had hoped.
However, the firm said its planned shop – a ‘neighbourhood hub’ store at the corner of Tilemans Lane and Darlingscote Road – will be plenty large enough for families to complete a weekly shop and will include a collection point for orders from Sainbury’s sister businesses, Argos and Habitat.
As reported in the Herald, the supermarket chain announced in January that it was planning to develop a site on the industrial estate opposite Shipston High School and leisure centre.
Earlier this year it held consultations with the community, Shipston Town Council and district and county councillors to get feedback about its plans.
According to the planning documents submitted to Stratford District Council, the majority of the feedback was positive although some concerns were raised.
Those included a lack of a new petrol station – Sainsbury’s says the site it not big enough – and the out-of-town location taking footfall away from town centre businesses.
However, Sainsbury’s has promised: “As part of the proposals for the new store, no fresh fish, meat or deli counter is being provided in order to complement the offer from some of the businesses in the town centre.
“Following feedback from local political representatives, the store will also signpost shoppers into the town centre and have information board inside to highlight things to do and places to go in the local area.”
So, if the scheme is given planning permission, what will Shipston get? Around 630 sqm of shop space where there will be a “high quality food offer” which “helps prevent unnecessary journeys outside of town”.
The development would have 53 parking spaces – accessed from Tilemans Lane – and would create around 40 jobs, full- and part-time.
According to its timescales – and subject to planning permission being granted – Sainsbury’s hopes to start work on the store later this year and open in 2025.
